Santa Monica is located within Greater Los Angeles, making access to the city easy by public transportation, air travel or car.
If you’re travelling from the United Kingdom or Ireland, Santa Monica couldn’t be easier to get to. You can fly direct to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from most major airports, including London Heathrow with United Airlines on their 787 Dreamliner. Flight time is under 11 hours – the perfect amount of time for a nap and a couple of movies.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the closest airport to Santa Monica, at only eight non-freeway miles and is easily accessible with direct bus service, shuttles or by taxi. Rates for shuttles between LAX and Santa Monica start at approximately $15 per person one-way, $30-40 round-trip per person ($10-20 for each additional person) not including tips. Shuttles are located on the lower level of the airport. An Uber or Lyft costs as little as $20 and only takes 15 – 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Once you reach Santa Monica, there’s no need to hire a car, instead, hire a bike, jump on the Santa Monica Free Ride (the city’s FREE shuttle service) or use your own two feet – it’s so easy to get from A to B.
For travellers aiming to discover the rest of Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region, Santa Monica serves as a convenient base for broader exploration. Hop on the Metro Expo line you can get from Downtown Santa Monica to Downtown LA in 46 minutes!
LEARN MOREFlight time from London to LAX
Distance from LAX to Santa Monica
Time to get to Santa Monica by car
Time to get to Santa Monica by public transport
Book a tailor-made Journey with Flight Centre – inclusive of flights, hand-picked accommodation, car hire and a range of unique experiences – you can choose from dozens of itinerary suggestions.
Make your California dreams a reality with this classic self-drive itinerary between San Francisco and Santa Monica. Start in the City by the Bay and finish in Santa Monica, with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Explore Los Angeles’ attractions – perhaps look for stars on the Walk of Fame or seek thrills at Universal Studios – before getting a breath of fresh air in Santa Monica. Laze on the beach, discover the pier and gorge yourself on fresh food in the sunshine.
Whether it’s a tailor-made Journey, beach Escape, city break or round the world adventure, Flight Centre has you covered.
Escape to Santa Monica’s luxurious Shutters at the Beach where you will spend five nights of beachfront living in this stylish and iconic hotel. Discover Santa Monica’s high-fashion boutiques on tree-lined Montana Avenue, enjoy cocktails at Seaside on the Pier while soaking in spectacular Pacific Ocean views. Take a private yoga class on the beach or a private helicopter tour for a shoreline picnic at Malibu. Enjoy gastronomical wonders at an astounding number of Santa Monica fine dining restaurants and eateries, and dance the night away at one of LA’s exclusive A lister night spots.
Includes return flights from the UK to Los Angeles, private return airport transfers and 5 nights’ accommodation at Shutters at the Beach on a room only basis.
Fly in style in United Polaris® business class from London Heathrow. Relax and recharge in the brand-new Los Angeles Polaris lounge offering elevated comfort and service. Once onboard, indulge in chef-designed menus with a wide variety of beverage options, then drift off to sleep in lie-flat beds with luxurious Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and cool gel pillows.
In United Economy®, relax in ergonomically designed seats with up to 32 inches of legroom. Tuck in to a hearty three course meal, enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages and be entertained by the latest movies from Hollywood to Bollywood on seat-backs or on your personal devices. Or enjoy up to 37 inches of extra legroom in United Economy Plus®.
London Heathrow > Los Angeles International Airport
Depart: 13:40pm – Arrive: 16:40pm
Los Angeles International Airport > London Heathrow
Depart: 17:45pm – Arrive: 12:20pm (+1 day)
You can also fly from Manchester, Glasgow or
Edinburgh and connect via New York/Newark.
Follow Us: