Practical information for visiting Los Angeles

Los Angeles International Airport is the main international gateway. Airport shuttles connect its terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, while FlyAway provides nonstop service to Union Station and Van Nuys. Ground operations can change during construction.

Union Station links Metro rail and buses with Metrolink regional trains and Amtrak. It is the most useful surface-transport hub for Downtown, but it is not equally convenient for every neighbourhood.

Freeways connect Los Angeles with the wider region, yet peak congestion and incidents make travel times variable. Several famous destinations are in separate cities, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Inglewood and Anaheim. Confirm the actual municipality and distance before grouping plans.

Cell service is generally strong in developed areas but can weaken in canyons and mountain-edge parks. Download a trail map and arrange the return route before entering a low-signal area.

Use ordinary big-city precautions. Keep valuables out of sight, stay aware around transit hubs and nightlife, and choose well-used routes after dark. Do not leave bags, passports or visible items in a parked vehicle.

At beaches, rip currents, uneven bottoms, rocks and piers create more immediate risk than crime. Swim near lifeguards and follow posted instructions. Check county water-quality warnings, particularly after rain.

Wildfire, extreme heat, earthquakes, flooding and mudslides are official city hazards. Subscribe to NotifyLA, enable emergency alerts and follow evacuation orders promptly. A clear sky in one district does not rule out smoke or road closures elsewhere.

On trails, carry water, stay on the route and turn back before heat or darkness becomes a problem. Do not approach coyotes or other wildlife. If a route enters burned terrain, check whether rain has raised debris-flow risk.

Visitors from outside the United States should carry insurance that covers local treatment. Emergency care is available but can be expensive. Keep prescriptions in original packaging and know how your insurer handles urgent claims.

Heat varies sharply across the city. The coast may feel mild while the Valley or an exposed trail is dangerously hot. Carry water, reduce exertion during alerts and use libraries or designated cooling spaces when necessary.

Wildfire smoke can travel far from flames. Check official air-quality information, limit outdoor activity when advised and take extra care with respiratory or heart conditions. Do not use visibility alone as an air-quality measure.

County health authorities test beach water throughout the year and publish advisories. Avoid swimming where warnings are posted and after storm runoff. Use sun protection even under marine cloud, and treat Pacific water and surf as active conditions.

Immediate police, fire or medical emergency: call 911.

City information and non-emergency services: use 311. For official protective actions and evacuation information, follow NotifyLA and the City Emergency Management Department.

During an earthquake: drop, cover and hold on. After shaking, expect aftershocks and check official instructions before travelling. Near the coast, follow tsunami directions rather than going to watch the water.

During wildfire: leave when ordered and do not drive around closures. During heavy rain, avoid channels, underpasses and moving water. At the beach, alert a lifeguard or call 911 rather than entering dangerous surf for an untrained rescue.