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Getting around Santa Monica, CA

Planning to travel in Santa Monica? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Santa Monica experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.

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Ways to get around Santa Monica

Walking

Santa Monica is highly walkable, with many attractions, shops, and dining options located within close proximity. The city’s pedestrian-friendly infrastructure includes well-maintained sidewalks, crosswalks, and scenic routes, particularly near the beach and downtown areas. Its mild, sunny weather makes walking a pleasant option year-round. While most destinations are easily accessible on foot, some areas may require longer walks depending on your location. Overall, walking is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Santa Monica, especially for shorter distances or when visiting popular spots like the pier or Third Street Promenade.

Biking

In addition to being walkable, Santa Monica is a bike-friendly city with a well-developed network of bike lanes and paths, making it easy to reach many destinations by bicycle. The city’s relatively flat terrain and compact layout further support biking as a convenient transportation option. The mild weather in the area also provides comfortable conditions for cycling year-round. Additionally, electric bike options are available through the Uber app, offering added convenience for longer trips or those seeking extra assistance while riding.

Car

For those traveling by car, driving in Santa Monica can be convenient for reaching various destinations, as the city has well-maintained roads and accessible parking structures. However, traffic congestion, especially near popular areas like the Santa Monica Pier, can slow travel times. Parking is generally available but may require payment or permits in certain areas. The compact size of the city means many attractions are relatively close, but navigating during peak hours might be challenging. The mild weather typically creates favorable driving conditions year-round, making it a practical option for getting around.

Public Transit

Public transportation in Santa Monica offers a range of options that make it convenient to navigate the city and nearby areas. The Metro E Line light rail connects Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles, with multiple stops in the city. The Big Blue Bus operates numerous routes, providing access to key destinations within Santa Monica and its surroundings. The city’s infrastructure supports public transit with well-placed stops and connections. The mild weather generally makes waiting for transit comfortable, and the compact layout of Santa Monica ensures that many attractions are easily reachable by bus or train.

Train

For regional travel, trains can be a convenient way to get to and from Santa Monica, especially for those traveling to nearby areas. The Metro Rail system connects Santa Monica to other parts of Los Angeles, with a station located in downtown Santa Monica. Trains generally run on a regular schedule, making it easier to plan trips. However, within Santa Monica itself, train routes are limited, so they are best suited for accessing the city rather than navigating within it. The infrastructure around the train station is pedestrian-friendly, allowing for easy access to nearby attractions.

Popular destinations in Santa Monica

Uber makes Santa Monica travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Santa Monica request rides to Venice Beach Boardwalk more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.

Popular destinations in Santa Monica

Uber makes Santa Monica travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Santa Monica request rides to Venice Beach Boardwalk more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.

Popular destinations in Santa Monica

Uber makes Santa Monica travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Santa Monica request rides to Venice Beach Boardwalk more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.

Reserve a ride in Santa Monica with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Santa Monica. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Los Angeles International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Rideshare and other services in Santa Monica, California

Getting around Santa Monica without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Santa Monica.

Santa Monica-area airport car service

When your travel in Santa Monica takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Santa Monica anytime, 24/7.

  • With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Santa Monica. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.

  • Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Santa Monica, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Santa Monica transportation options available in your app, too.)

  • Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in Santa Monica or wherever the road takes you.

  • Your safety when traveling in Santa Monica is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.

  • Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in Santa Monica from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

After the driver has ended the trip, please report any feedback when rating your trip in the Uber app, visiting help.uber.com, or calling 800-664-1378.

You may also contact the California Public Utilities Commission at 800-894-9444 or CIU_intake@cpuc.ca.gov.

In California, due to CPUC requirements, you cannot transport an unaccompanied minor on trips arranged through the Uber app. Keep in mind that in California, a rider must be over 18 to sign up for an Uber account, but if you believe a rider might be underage, you can ask them to confirm their age and let them know that you will have to cancel the trip if they are indeed under 18. In addition, you can report requests to transport unaccompanied minors by submitting in-app feedback.

*Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.