Traveling Around Malibu: A Comprehensive Guide

In the opening scene of the film La La Land, drivers and their passengers break from a traffic jam on the freeway and burst into a song and dance about yet another sunny day in Los Angeles. Aside from the musical interlude, the scene aptly highlights two things about Los Angeles: sun and traffic.

Los Angeles has long been ridiculed in pop culture for its complex freeway system and notorious traffic. Although the city has made some strides in public transportation, getting around is best done with a car. In Malibu, this is particularly true as the area is very spread out, with mountains and beaches separated by the always busy Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Hailing a Ride from the Airport

While taxi cabs and budget shuttles are available from Los Angeles International Airport, the more popular option for catching a ride upon landing is through ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Lyft. At LAX, the airport has created a special pick-up zone for these services called LAX-It. This process requires taking a free shuttle from the airport’s arrivals level to the rideshare parking lot, then ordering your ride from there.

The shuttles run frequently from every terminal, even late at night, and finding your ride is easy due to designated pick-up zones. The cost varies by the time of day and the type of ride; however, you can expect to spend about $40-$50 for a ride to Malibu.

Public Transportation Options

The 534 Metro Bus, part of Los Angeles’ Metro public transportation system, goes from downtown Santa Monica to Malibu with several stops along the PCH, including Trancas Canyon, Point Dume, and the Malibu Pier. The trip costs $1.75 one way.

Before you board the bus (or the subway or light rail), consider downloading the TAP app to your phone. This app functions as the Metro’s fare card, similar to New York City’s Metrocard. Although you can still purchase physical TAP cards at Metro stations and onboard the buses, the app simplifies loading, reloading, and scanning your cards. It also provides detailed directions and timetables; however, the Metro website’s Nextrip service offers more reliable arrival times.

It’s important to note that while public transportation in Los Angeles may prove to be more economical and sustainable, it isn’t always the fastest way to travel. Buses often get stuck in the same traffic as cars on the freeway and streets. Therefore, you should account for traffic when planning your day.

Accessible Beaches with Specialty Wheelchairs

Not many of Malibu’s beaches feature wheelchair ramps that extend onto the sand. However, there are three beaches that do provide specialty wheelchairs: Zuma Beach (located between parking lots #3 and #4), Point Dume (found at the wheelchair locker), and Malibu Surfrider (located at the lifeguard garage). These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, there are designated disabled parking spaces in all beach parking lots.

Renting a Car

If you plan on driving extensively or making road trips from Malibu, renting a car is a practical option. Numerous rental car agencies operate at the airport as well as throughout Los Angeles. However, if you need a car only for a day or a few hours, consider Zipcar, a car-sharing service that has a location at Pepperdine University. You will need a valid driver’s license and, once approved, you can rent a car for as little as $10 an hour.

Walking at Malibu Pier

In some areas of Malibu, walking is the most convenient way to get around. At the Malibu Pier, you can easily reach the restaurants and shops at the Malibu Country Mart and the Malibu Village. Crossing the PCH here is also slightly less daunting than at other major intersections. Moreover, it is easy to walk between Point Dume and Zuma Beach and to a nearby shopping center across the PCH.

Cycling in Malibu

The coastal views along the PCH and the rugged terrain in the mountains make Malibu a popular spot for cyclists. Nevertheless, taking two wheels on the highway should only be attempted by the most competent and confident cyclists, as there is no dedicated bike lane and highway traffic can be fast. If you wish to rent a beach cruiser and enjoy a bike path, it is advisable to do so in Santa Monica, where you can ride for nearly 22 miles down to Torrance. Just remember, you will need to bike or find another way back.