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Unlike other major cities, a car is essential to getting around LA quickly because of the great distances involved. Rentals require a credit card and driver’s license.

US insurance policies generally cover rental cars as well, while foreign ones almost never do. Check with your insurer for details. Some credit cards may provide secondary coverage if used to pay for the rental.

Free street parking is available in most neighborhoods, although it pays to study the posted restrictions. Stopping or parking is not allowed at red curbs. Some cities, including Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, have inexpensive city-run parking lots. Valet parking is common at restaurants and the better hotels.

By and large, LA is relatively easy to navigate. Wearing a seatbelt, even in the backseat, is compulsory. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit is 35 mph (56 km/h) on city streets and 55 mph (89 km/h) on freeways. Turning right on a red light at intersections is legal unless otherwise posted.

Locals swear by the book-sized Thomas Guide, but a general street map should suffice for getting around. You’ll find these at gas stations or convenience stores, although the most current ones are those published by the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Getting around town by taxi can be a pricey proposition unless you’re traveling as a group or are only going a short distance. Taxi drivers usually won’t respond to being hailed but must be ordered in advance.

Getting around LA using public transportation is best reserved for short distances or cross-town travel. The network consists of buses, light rail lines, and a subway line, most of which are operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The downtown DASH buses and the Big Blue Bus in Santa Monica/ Venice/Westwood offer good service. For a cheap mini tour, take MTA’s express Metro Rapid No. 720 from Santa Monica to downtown along Wilshire Boulevard through Beverly Hills.

MTA operates three light rail lines – the Blue Line from downtown to Long Beach, the Green Line from Redondo Beach to Norwalk, and the brand-new Gold Line from downtown to Pasadena. MTA’s Red Line, LA’s only subway route, goes from downtown to Universal City through Hollywood.

“Nobody walks in LA,” as the song goes, and this is largely true. However, some areas are more conducive to walking, such as the crowded downtown or the fun Melrose Avenue and Venice Boardwalk.