Los Angeles Metro, Expo Line in Santa Monica's Downtown Station.

Santa Monica Metro E Line

​​The Metro E (Expo) Line in Santa Monica provides an easy way to visit multiple attractions during your stay in Santa Monica, from the Pier all the way to downtown Los Angeles. Here are three easy steps to help you get your trip started, as well as a few ideas on where to visit.

Step 1 – Get a TAP Card

Buy a TAP card at vending machines located at Metro Rail stations or order online at taptogo.net. To use a TAP card on the Metro or Big Blue Bus, load on a dollar value. Once you’ve loaded money onto the car, TAP the card at the validators before boarding. Some platforms do not have a turnstile, make sure to still tap your card before boarding.

Step 2 – Plan Your Trip

There are three Metro E Line stations in Santa Monica: 26th St / Bergamot Station, 17th Street / Santa Monica College and Downtown Santa Monica. You can connect with any of these stations via bus, bike or foot. Bicycles are allowed on the Metro E Line in Santa Monica. For rail schedules, routes, times and connections check metro.net.

Step 3 – Have Fun

There is no end to the food, culture, and fun available via the Metro E Line. At 26th St/Bergamot Station, visit Bergamot Station Arts Center.  The17th St/SMC Station offers Memorial Park, the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage and the 18th Street Art Center. The line ends at Downtown Santa Monica Station near Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.

Explore Santa Monica to Downtown LA

Don’t forget to explore the other end of the Metro E Line! If you’re in Santa Monica, take a car-free ride to enjoy a show at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, a game at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) or a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. 

The train goes ends at 7th Street Metro Center station on Figueroa Street. A full ride along the Metro E Line takes about 46 minutes; much faster than sitting in traffic.

Sunny day at the Pacific Park entrance on Santa Monica Pier.
Kid-At-The-Aquarium
People at the Santa Monica Metro Expo Line station.
Transportation to the Metro E Line

Getting to the Metro E Line

​​Hop on the Big Blue Bus, ride a bike, or take a walk to get to the Metro E Line in Santa Monica. Since trains run about every 8 minutes, you’re never more than a few minutes from your next ride. Your TAP card can be used on both the Metro E Line and the Big Blue Bus, so load your fare, TAP & go!

You can ride directly to one of Santa Monica’s three metro stations thanks to the city’s 100+ miles of bike routes. Bikes are permitted on the train, and each car has a designated area for them.

Parking is also available in Santa Monica at the 17th Street/Santa Monica College station for a small fee.  If you’re visiting Santa Monica for the day, consider parking at one of several parking lots along the E Line and riding into the city for a day of fun at the beach.

Explore Santa Monica

Blogs

Discover Santa Monica

Explore itineraries, local tips, hot spots and curated adventures to make sure you get the most out of your Santa Monica experience.

View All Blogs