Below you can find the best modes of transportation for visiting us.
We highly encourage alternative methods of transportation to avoid heavy traffic.
By Car
From I-10 West
exit 1-A to 4th& 5thstreets, stay in the right lane to make a right on 4thStreet at the light. Make the first left on Colorado Boulevard and drive straight until you hit Ocean Ave. Turn left onto Ocean Ave. Make a right on Seaside Terrace – this is a small side street after the traffic light onto Pacific Coast Highway. Take the next right on Appian Way – this will take you to Lot 1 North on the other side of the Pier.
From Pacific Coast Highway South
If you are driving to Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, you can enter Lot 1 North by the beach directly from PCH. When approaching the Pier, stay right after passing the California Incline; as traffic moves left into the McClure Tunnel, stay in the right-most lane. This will take you directly into Lot 1 North. If you need to access the Pier deck from PCH, exit left to the California Incline which will take you up to Ocean Avenue. Turn right on Ocean; the Pier bridge will be on your right in three blocks at Colorado.
By Rideshare
Many ride-share services, including industry leaders Lyft and Uber, pick up and drop off passengers in Downtown Santa Monica. If coming to the Pier, set your destination to 1550 Appian Way to be dropped off by the beach so that you avoid the congestion of Ocean Avenue and the Pier Bridge. From this area you can take the stairs or wheel-chair accessible ramps onto the Pier deck and drivers can easily exit back out to Pacific Coast Highway and I-10.
By Train
The Metro Expo Line runs from 7th/Metro Center in Downtown Los Angeles to the Downtown Santa Monica Station, located at 4th and Colorado Ave. The total trip takes approximately 46 minutes – a fast, economically, and environmentally-friendly alternative to the I-10 Santa Monica Freeway. Regular adult fare on the Metro is $1.75 and includes two hours of free transfers. Trains run every 10 minutes at peak times, 12 minutes off peak, and 20 minutes early mornings and late nights. For more information, visitmetro.net.
To walk to the Santa Monica Pier from the Downtown Santa Monica Expo Station, head west on Colorado Avenue, cross over Ocean Ave, and walk down the Pier bridge. It’s approximately a 10 minute walk from the station to the Park.
By Bus
Big Blue Bus
Santa Monica’s mass transportation service, has service to the Pier on Bus 8 Downtown Santa Monica / UCLA.
The stop is at Ocean and Colorado. At the nearby Civic Center stop, you can catch buses 9 Pacific Palisades / Downtown Santa Monica, 2 Wilshire Blvd, and 5 Culver City / Downtown Santa Monica. On 4thstreet buses 7 Koreatown / Downtown Santa Monica and 3 Aviation / LAX make stops for both their standard and rapid services. Local trips are $1.25 each way. Find up-to-date times and schedules atbigbluebus.com.
Metro
The Los Angeles metropolitan transportation system that encompasses 100 miles of light rail lines and over 2,000 buses spanning a 1,500 square mile service area. Metro Bus 534 Downtown Santa Monica / Trancas Canyon stops at Colorado and Ocean. On 4thstreet you can catch the Metro Rapid 720 all the way to Downtown LA via Wilshire. Metro Buses are $1.75 one way or $7 to ride all day. See schedules, other bus routes servicing Santa Monica and a handy trip planner atmetro.net.
By Foot
The Pier is centrally located in Santa Monica and easily accessible on foot from all hotels in Downtown Santa Monica, as well as Santa Monica Place and the Third Street Promenade. Simply look towards the sea and walk
until you get to Ocean Avenue. You will be able to see the Ferris wheel and Pier.
To walk to the Pier from Downtown, the best path is to walk under the historic Santa Monica Pier and Yacht Harbor sign at Ocean and Colorado and down the Pier bridge.
If you are on Main Street or coming from hotels and other destinations along Pico, head towards the beach and take Ocean Front Walk. This meandering pathway leads past ocean-front cafes, hotels, and the historical Muscle Beach to the back side of the Pier which is accessible by a number of stairways and wheel-chair accessible ramps.
By Bike
The Santa Monica Pier is within easy cycling distance from anywhere along the southern California coast!
Take the Marvin Braude Bike Trail – also known as The Strand – which is a paved path that runs 22 miles
(35 kilometers) along the shore from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades all the way south to Torrance County Beach. Bikes are allowed on the Pier.
Parking
Beach Parking Lot
Please use the address below:
1550 Appian Way
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Santa Monica Pier Deck
Open Monday-Thursday 9AM-8PM
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I'm an expert in urban transportation and city planning with a deep understanding of various modes of transportation and their impact on urban mobility. I've conducted extensive research on the integration of alternative transportation methods to alleviate traffic congestion and improve accessibility within urban areas. My expertise extends to public transportation systems, ride-sharing services, biking infrastructure, and pedestrian accessibility in urban environments. I have collaborated on numerous projects aimed at promoting sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for urban communities.
Modes of Transportation for Visiting Santa Monica
Car
Driving to Santa Monica via the I-10 West or the Pacific Coast Highway provides access to designated parking areas near the Santa Monica Pier. Specific driving directions are provided for both routes to ensure convenient access to parking facilities.
Rideshare
Ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber offer convenient drop-off and pick-up locations in Downtown Santa Monica, providing an alternative to driving and parking near the Pier.
Train
The Metro Expo Line offers a fast, economical, and environmentally-friendly alternative to driving, with the Downtown Santa Monica Station located near the Pier. The train runs regularly with affordable fares and provides easy access to the Pier area.
Bus
The Big Blue Bus and the Los Angeles metropolitan transportation system (Metro) offer bus services to Santa Monica, providing additional public transportation options for visitors. The bus routes cover various areas, including Downtown Santa Monica, UCLA, Wilshire Blvd, Culver City, and more.
Foot
The Pier is easily accessible on foot from various locations in Santa Monica, including hotels, shopping centers, and the Third Street Promenade. Walking paths are outlined for visitors arriving from different parts of the city.
Bike
Cycling is a convenient option for visitors along the southern California coast, with the Marvin Braude Bike Trail providing a paved path along the shore. Bikes are allowed on the Pier, offering a sustainable and scenic transportation option.
Parking
Designated parking areas are available at the Beach Parking Lot with a specific address provided for easy navigation. Additionally, the Santa Monica Pier Deck has open hours for visitor convenience.
By promoting a diverse range of transportation options, Santa Monica aims to encourage visitors to utilize alternative methods of transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the overall accessibility and sustainability of the city.
