The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) officially opened the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a transformative step in the region’s efforts to expand sustainable, multimodal transit access to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The opening not only fulfills a long-awaited promise to connect Angelenos directly to the airport by rail but also represents the eighth completed project under Metro’s “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative — a strategic capital program aimed at modernizing transit infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A New Gateway to LAX and Beyond

The state-of-the-art facility will connect Metro’s C and K light rail lines with six Metro bus lines, eight municipal bus operators, and the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) shuttle service. 

Metro officials said that future connectivity will be enhanced with the planned opening of LAWA’s Automated People Mover (APM) in 2026, creating a seamless rail-to-terminal experience for millions of travelers, workers, and visitors.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized the long-standing demand for direct rail service to the airport. 

“For more than half a century, Angelenos have been dreaming about a rail connection to LAX airport — and that day has finally come,” she said. “Our LAX/Metro Transit Center Station not only enhances the travel experience for millions of visitors to Los Angeles but also serves as a key piece of our ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable and efficient transportation network for our city.” 

Design, Accessibility, and Sustainability at the Forefront

The LAX/Metro Transit Center Station features sweeping open-air canopies, intuitive wayfinding, and a design focused on passenger flow and accessibility. 

As Metro’s widest light rail platform, the station spans over 1,100 feet and includes amenities such as a dedicated bus plaza, secure bike facilities, and a customer service center. ADA-accessible design elements ensure inclusivity, with space for bicycles and strollers across all transit modes.

The agency said that with 24/7 security monitoring and infrastructure designed for climate resilience, the facility exemplifies Metro’s commitment to environmentally responsible transit development. Energy-efficient lighting and drought-tolerant landscaping reflect ongoing efforts to build green infrastructure across the region.

Critical Connections for Workers and Events

The new station is expected to play a central role in the regional movement of athletes, spectators, and airport-area employees during upcoming international events, including FIFA World Cup 26, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Games.

“The opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center is a major step forward in how we prepare Los Angeles to welcome the world,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass. “This is about more than bringing people to and from the airport — it’s about building a more connected, reliable, and climate-conscious city for Angelenos and the millions who will visit in the years ahead.” 

While the People Mover is set to open in 2026, LAWA will provide high-frequency shuttle service between the new transit center and LAX terminals in the interim, with service every 10 minutes aligned with Metro rail and bus schedules. 

Once completed, the APM will offer six stops, including three inside the terminal area and others connecting to the economy parking and ConRAC facility directly adjacent to the transit center.