For many air passengers who arrived at LAX and then traveled onward to downtown Los Angeles or other neighborhoods, it was often a traffic-clogged adventure (or nightmare, depending on how you see it). From now on, however, thanks to the summer opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, the city’s K line is now a fully functional connection in the LAX Metro network.

© Jason O’Rear

Connecting Metro’s C and K rail lines, this new station closes the final gap along the K line, marking an important step in the city’s effort to reduce car traffic at LAX, as well as decrease reliance on more costly options such as taxis, ride shares or private vehicles. With an estimated 5,000 daily boardings by 2035, the station will be instrumental in easing traffic congestion and improving mobility.

Designed by international architecture practice Grimshaw with architect of record and landscape architect Gruen Associates and multi-disciplinary engineering company Arup, LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street, is part of the wider Landside Access Modernization Program underway at the airport, creating a fully intermodal facility and a new point of arrival into the city.

© Jason O’Rear

Including a bus plaza, bus hub and customer service center, the station spans more than 1,100 feet from north to south. With the widest light rail platform in the Metro system, its two main levels provide a welcoming, convenient and secure connection point, offering riders access to a wide array of destinations throughout LA County.

Connecting the various transit options is integral to the design of the station. Stylish skylights, sweeping canopies and glazed screens establish a lightweight, spacious environment that reinforces intuitive wayfinding.

This “humanized” journey extends to the wide above-grade concourses, flooded with natural light. At ground level, bus bays are integrated into a landscaped public plaza nestled between bus canopy structures.

© Jason O’Rear

Occupying a previously industrial site, LAX/Metro Transit Center Station is also designed as an open space that leverages California’s coastal climate by adopting passive design strategies for comfort, including shading by canopies, natural daylighting through skylights and natural ventilation. Future-proofing the station, the design includes readily maintained PV panels in adjacent landscaping and infrastructure to support future EV bus charging. The project is targeting a LEED Gold status.

“The Metro Transit Center Station transcends the typical function of a transit hub, emerging as a significant civic landmark and gateway to and from the city’s transport network,” said Andrew Byrne, managing partner, Grimshaw. “A hub of multi-modal activity, the station also exemplifies the importance of thoughtful infrastructure to accelerate the necessary shift in our cities: fostering economic vitality and equity and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike as Los Angeles moves towards a more sustainable and connected future.”

© Jason O’Rear

The public plaza, a mezzanine at concourse level and other public spaces within the station, including a bus hub, are also designed to provide moments of respite and comfort in this transitory environment, complemented by integrated artwork. Externally, considering its context, drought-tolerant native planting increases the biodiversity of this urban transport-oriented place.

LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will dramatically improve the travel experience for visitors of upcoming cultural events, such as the FIFA World Cup 26, Super Bowl LXI, and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.