What is the best way to get from LAX to Riverside, CA? I really do not want to rent a car. Is there another viable option?

If you don't want to rent a car.....
Then you need to take an MTA Metro 439 West Bus to L.A. Union Station, and then take the Metrolink Riverside Line or the 91 Line into Downtown Riverside.

Go to www.mta.net for schedules and instructions for the 439 bus line. Input From: LAX and To: UNION STATION. It should give you detailed instructions.

Go to www.metrolinktrains.com for time schedules for the Riverside / 91 Lines.

Can you fly into Ontario or Orange County? It would be closer.

Ontario Airport would be the closest - much closer than Orange County or LAX or Burbank or Long Beach Airports. I think they do have vans from ONT to Riverside but I do think a car would be the best.

Unfortunately, the ticket has already been purchased. My husband is an actor on tour. He was originally supposed to be in Pasadena on the night I arrive, but they just added the Riverside date. I will be travelling on his tour bus once I get to Riverside, which is why I really do not want to rent a car.

The bus trip to Union Station and then the Metrolink train may take you several hours, with connections. If I were you, I'd check out rental car companies. Since LAX and Riverside are all part of metropolital LA, you may find there is no drop-off charge, so you could pick up your car at LAX and drop it off in Riverside. If you arrive in non-rush hours it should only take about 90 minutes.

I wonder if there are shuttles that go directly to the Inland Empire from LAX - I know they do from ONT. I will do a bit of checking and if I find something I will let you know. Super Shuttle probably goes out there - sure would beat the bus and then Metrolink as far as time.

From Union Station to Riverside takes about 1.5 hours on the Metrolink. You can get to Union Stawtion on one MTA bus, sfter taking the LAX shuttle to the LAX bus depot. Many of the shuttle companies also service Riverside. I did a quick search and found Inland Express http://www.inlandexpress.com/inland_express/pricing.htm $60 from LAX to Riverside.

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions! Looks like I'll be renting a car after all!

NYCGal

To be charitable the mass transit in SoCal stinks. I live here.

Your less poor bet is to get on the 91 Fwy (405-605-91)

If you have AAA get a freeway map. Riverside is not too bad. :-B

NYCGal

Oops!! gave you a bum steer. lt;(

105-605-91. Get the car rental folks to tell you how to get on the 105 :-B

The ride from LAX to Riverside is not all that bad, unless of course, you're driving during rush hour. You can also take the 105-605-60. It takes 90 minutes or so. Just remember to hold your breath, the air is gross out here.