All transit rates start at a base fare of $1.75. In addition to a single-ride fare, options include the Metro Day Pass ($7) and the 7-Day Pass ($25). On the Metro Rail and the Metro Orange Line, single-ride fares, passes and stored value must be loaded on a Metro TAP card.

That’s a great question, but there isn’t a single, simple answer because it depends on which agency’s bus you’re taking and how you pay.

Los Angeles doesn’t have one unified transit system. The main agency is LA Metro, but many smaller municipal operators serve specific cities and regions.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. LA Metro (The primary system for LA County)

This covers the most extensive network, including the famous orange and white buses. Base Fare: $1.75 Transfers: Free for up to 2 hours in any direction when you tap the same TAP card. Day Pass: $7 (unlimited rides on Metro for the day). 7-Day Pass: $25. 30-Day Pass: $110. Reductions: Discounted fares ($0.35 per ride) are available for K-12 and college students, seniors (62+), persons with disabilities, and low-income individuals (via the LIFE program). You must apply for these reduced fares.

2. Other Major Municipal Operators (Sample)

Fares vary by agency. Here are a few key ones: Big Blue Bus (Santa Monica): $1.25 base fare, free 2-hour transfers. Day Pass: $5. LADOT Commuter Express & DASH: DASH shuttles (downtown/neighborhoods) are only 50¢. Commuter Express buses vary by distance, typically $2.75 - $4.50. Long Beach Transit (LBT): $1.