Silver Lake to the beach by public transit: Mission Possible? (Santa Monica: rent, loan)

[Cubancoffee]

Advice requested on the easiest way to get from our neighborhood (Silver Lake) to the beach (Santa Monica? Venice?) via bus/train. We are having visitors who will be on their own and carless for part of the week and we are hoping we can get them to the ocean by other means.

[BRinSM]

I would take the 704 Rapid bus on Santa Monica Blvd. That's a long way, but it is a one seat ride. Big Blue Bus also runs an express bus that runs on the 10 freeway that you may consider, but you'd have to get downtown first.

[CESpeed]

It will take approximately two hours each way. The bus will also be crowded and smelly. What a wonderful vacation for them. If you like them, rent them a car or loan them yours while you are at work.

[BRinSM]

the 704 buses are brand new so they won't smell and the trip will probably be more like an hour to 1.5 hours depending on the time of day. also, the bus will go through west hollywood and beverly hills so it will be like a tour bus for your visitors.

[katenik]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

the 704 buses are brand new so they won't smell and the trip will probably be more like an hour to 1.5 hours depending on the time of day. also, the bus will go through west hollywood and beverly hills so it will be like a tour bus for your visitors.

whom are you trying to kid? you can put lipstick on a pig and call her "susie," but she's still a pig!

to the OP: i wouldn't put my worst enemy on a bus in LA, never mind an honored guest in my home. if your visitors can't/won't/don't drive, i suggest you adjust your own schedule so you can stay home and be a proper host.

[LondonGaz]

did that very journey all the time last year
its a doddle, yeah its over an hour but hey your on yer hollibobs, lots to see as the world goes by.
As for smelly? jeez you kids dont know your born.
I found generally as a rule the drivers were courteous and helpful, its great fun by the way
enjoy

[Cubancoffee]

Katenik, thanks for the unsolicited advice on how to be a proper host. Maybe you can help me with the table settings at our next dinner party, too. Don't want the dessert fork where the butter knife should be, ya know!

Our guests will be older teenagers, so I am NOT lending them my car or renting one for them, and they can surely endure a smelly (or is it brand new?) bus for an hour or so.

BRinSM and others who actually answered my original query, do you know where they can catch the bus on my side of town? Thanks.

[LondonGaz]

I believe anywhere on west sunset boulevard

[Mike121]

The bus route maps for the 704 is here: http://metro.net/riding_metro/bus_overview/700_799/704.pdf (broken link)

The 720 down Wilshire is another option, though a bit further south of Silver Lake.
http://metro.net/riding_metro/bus_overview/700_799/720.pdf (broken link)

I take these buses regularly. In terms of global transportation smelliness, they are less smelly than a New York subway, the District Line in London or any LA Taxicab, but, more smelly than the Cairo subway. On a stink meter of 1 (flowers) to 5 (sewer), I give it a 2.

[katenik]

Originally Posted by Cubancoffee

Katenik, thanks for the unsolicited advice on how to be a proper host. Maybe you can help me with the table settings at our next dinner party, too. Don't want the dessert fork where the butter knife should be, ya know!

Our guests will be older teenagers, so I am NOT lending them my car or renting one for them, and they can surely endure a smelly (or is it brand new?) bus for an hour or so.

BRinSM and others who actually answered my original query, do you know where they can catch the bus on my side of town? Thanks.

you're welcome.