Guideline w/ Taxi Service (transportation) in LA/Hollywood area. (Los Angeles: to rent, how much)

[Legacy Bear]

So, I've booked a hotel near the Metro line on Hollywood BLVD, and since this is my first time there, I didn't want to rent a car unless I had to, but we might still look into it, depending on things.

We've decided it'd be better to enjoy ourselves and not worry about driving especially when drinking, so we're looking into taxi services in the area.


We're in Hollywood BLVD, so at what point would commuting via taxi be un-economical? About how much. I've attached a map for reference.
Say from our hotel, we went to Santa Monica and then back to Hollywood BLVD?







Thanks.

[BRinSM]

taxi to SM from hollywood would be expensive, at least $50 each way I would guess plus tip. taxis are only worth it if you're staying in the same area or have a group (3-4 people to split cost, taxis will only take up to 4 people i believe). the bus system in LA isn't that bad, but traveling distances in excess of 5 miles can take a long time as well.

[Legacy Bear]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

taxi to SM from hollywood would be expensive, at least $50 each way I would guess plus tip. taxis are only worth it if you're staying in the same area or have a group (3-4 people to split cost, taxis will only take up to 4 people i believe). the bus system in LA isn't that bad, but traveling distances in excess of 5 miles can take a long time as well.

So according to the map, anything in B or D would be really expensive?

We plan on going via metro for most things, but for a night out, we might just cab it. I hear you on the cab thing. Are taxis pretty legit though? No scams, or running up the meter?

Thanks.

[JohnG72]

Taxi's are really expensive in LA. No scams I'm aware of as they aren't needed. There are bandit taxi's, but TBH, all that will happen is they are cheaper than regular taxi's.

[Legacy Bear]

Originally Posted by JohnG72

Taxi's are really expensive in LA. No scams I'm aware of as they aren't needed. There are bandit taxi's, but TBH, all that will happen is they are cheaper than regular taxi's.

I guess, I just wanted to guage and do the research before hand. I've had drivers tell me, route XYZ is congested, lets take route ABC to save time.

Is it easy to distinguish these bandi taxi? We were thinking of taking a cab from HOLLYWOOD to downtown LA / LAX, is that doable?

Thank you very much.

- - - - - - -
I get the impression that I'll need wheels to commute, but wanted to know if the mass transportation was reliable and efficient?

I have a smart phone and was wondering if anyone knew of a particular app that'll aid us.

[munchitup]

I wouldn't take a taxi from Hollywood to Santa Monica... probably gonna cost you around $60+ dollars. I had to take a cab to a job interview right about where it says "Westwood" on the map... it was $40.

I wouldn't worry about the cab drivers, they have all been pretty legit in my experience.

Late at night, the #4 bus runs from Santa Monica to Hollywood (probably near your hotel) though it runs along Santa Monica Blvd so I'm not sure how far of a walk that is to your hotel. One thing you could do is take the bus a certain distance and then get out and taxi the rest of the way. Saves a little money and a little time.

Unless it is late at night, there is no point in taking a cab from DT LA to Hollywood - just take the Red Line. If you need to get to the airport don't waste your money on a cab from Hollywood, also crazy expensive... I would get to Union Station via the Red Line then hop on the flyaway bus (7 bucks a person direct non-stop to LAX from Union Station): http://www.lawa.aero/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292#tabulation

I'm gonna be taking it to LAX in a few weeks when I go out of town.

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by Froglet

I guess, I just wanted to guage and do the research before hand. I've had drivers tell me, route XYZ is congested, lets take route ABC to save time.

Is it easy to distinguish these bandi taxi? We were thinking of taking a cab from HOLLYWOOD to downtown LA / LAX, is that doable?

Thank you very much.

- - - - - - -
I get the impression that I'll need wheels to commute, but wanted to know if the mass transportation was reliable and efficient?

I have a smart phone and was wondering if anyone knew of a particular app that'll aid us.

Valid taxi's will have this affixed to the door:



LADOT

Since both Hollywood and Downtown are part of the City of Los Angeles, any cab you take should have that sticker.

A cab from Downtown to Hollywood in non rush hour times should be very viable. For instance if you wanted to go for dinner and/or drinks downtown, you could take the Red Line at say 7pm and then return in a cab. I'd guess that would cost around $20.

For LAX to Hollywood, a cab is gonna run $75-100.

[saybanana]

I've have seen many of these taxi's around town that are fuel efficient cars. I wonder if they have lower fares?

[Senshi]

Originally Posted by Froglet

I guess, I just wanted to guage and do the research before hand. I've had drivers tell me, route XYZ is congested, lets take route ABC to save time.

Is it easy to distinguish these bandi taxi? We were thinking of taking a cab from HOLLYWOOD to downtown LA / LAX, is that doable?

Thank you very much.

- - - - - - -
I get the impression that I'll need wheels to commute, but wanted to know if the mass transportation was reliable and efficient?

I have a smart phone and was wondering if anyone knew of a particular app that'll aid us.

Smart Phone + Google Maps will help with you with the public transit.

There is absolutely ZERO reason to take a taxi from Hollywood to Downtown.

If you need to get to the airport, from Hollywood, you simply take the red line to Union Station and then take the Flyaway at Union Station to LAX. The Flyaway is $7.

Getting to Santa Monica from Hollywood is annoying. BUT, if you don't want to do a Taxi, or the metro bus, there is the hop on hop off starline tour things that will take you to Santa Monica. You may want to look into that.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by Senshi

Getting to Santa Monica from Hollywood is annoying. BUT, if you don't want to do a Taxi, or the metro bus, there is the hop on hop off starline tour things that will take you to Santa Monica. You may want to look into that.

Great point, if they take you to SM, (I've never been on one) I am pretty sure they will be cheaper than a cab, and faster than the bus.