How to get to Shutters on the Beach from each nearby airport
Shutters on the Beach is at 1 Pico Blvd in Santa Monica, directly on Santa Monica State Beach. From nearby airports you can take a taxi or rideshare, reserve the hotel's 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, use rental cars or regional transit (light rail + local bus) to reach the hotel.
In this guide
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the closest major commercial airport to Shutters on the Beach (commonly cited as about 6–8 miles away). Typical options are taxi/rideshare, rental car, or the hotel's paid airport shuttle.
If you prefer public transit, combine the flyAway or local bus to a Metro E Line station and take the light rail to downtown Santa Monica; the Metro E Line terminus is about a 10–13 minute walk from the hotel.
- Taxi or rideshare: direct, door-to-door to 1 Pico Blvd—best if you have luggage or arrive late.
- Hotel shuttle: a 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle is available for a surcharge (the service is offered by the hotel).
- Rental car: convenient if you plan to drive around Southern California; Shutters offers overnight valet parking.
- Public transit: use airport buses to a Metro E Line connection, then walk (~10–13 minutes) from the Downtown Santa Monica terminus to the hotel.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare | Direct to hotel; typical choice with luggage |
| Hotel shuttle | 24-hour roundtrip shuttle available for a surcharge |
| Metro E Line + walk | Light rail to Santa Monica terminus, then ~10–13 minute walk |
From Santa Monica Airport (SMO)
Santa Monica Airport is a short drive from the hotel (listed as roughly 3–4 miles). The quickest way is a taxi or rideshare directly to 1 Pico Blvd.
Because SMO is primarily a general-aviation airport, ground transport options are more limited than at LAX; renting a car from on-field providers or arranging a town car is common for private-flight arrivals.
- Taxi / Rideshare: fastest, simple door-to-door transfer.
- Rental car: useful if you plan to explore beyond Santa Monica; valet parking is available at the hotel.
- Town car / charter: many private-aviation travelers pre-book car service for shorter transit times.
| Option | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare | Quickest and simplest ground transfer |
| Rental car | Good if you need a vehicle for local driving |
| Pre-booked car service | Common for private-flight schedules and luggage handling |
From Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Hollywood Burbank Airport lies farther inland; sources list distances from the hotel in the mid-teens of miles. Ground travel time varies widely with traffic.
Typical choices are rental car, scheduled shuttle or limo, taxi/rideshare, or a combination of regional rail and light rail (requires transfers).
- Rideshare or taxi: straightforward but expect longer drive times during rush hours.
- Rental car or private transfer: usually the most reliable option if you have several passengers or luggage.
- Public transit: possible but involves transfers to Metro lines and will take substantially longer than a direct drive.
| Option | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare | Direct but subject to SoCal traffic |
| Rental car / private transfer | Best when traveling with family or multiple bags |
| Public transit | Involves transfers; choose only if avoiding driving |
From Long Beach and John Wayne / Orange County (LGB / SNA)
Long Beach Airport (LGB) and John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) are regional options farther from Santa Monica. Both are commonly reached by rental car, rideshare, or private transfer.
Expect longer travel times than from LAX; traffic patterns and time of day strongly affect door-to-door duration.
- Rideshare/taxi: direct, convenient for passengers without car seats or heavy luggage.
- Rental car: practical if you plan to visit Orange County or the coastline beyond Santa Monica.
- Private shuttle / limo: useful for groups or when you want prearranged timing.
| Airport | Typical ground options |
|---|---|
| Long Beach (LGB) | Taxi / rideshare, rental car, private transfer |
| John Wayne (SNA) | Taxi / rideshare, rental car, private transfer |
Public transit, bikes and walking from transit stops
Shutters on the Beach is walkable from the Metro E Line terminus in downtown Santa Monica—about a 10–13 minute walk from the station—and local Big Blue Bus routes stop nearby (Ocean & Pico stop).
If you’re light on luggage, consider taking light rail to Santa Monica and walking the last stretch along the beachfront promenade; the hotel sits directly on Santa Monica State Beach at 1 Pico Blvd.
- Metro E Line: take the light rail to the Santa Monica terminus (Colorado & 4th) and walk ~10–13 minutes to the hotel.
- Big Blue Bus: local routes serve Ocean & Pico, close to the property.
- Bikes: seasonal complimentary bike rentals are available through the hotel's Beach Concierge for short trips along the oceanfront path.
| Transit | Last-mile |
|---|---|
| Metro E Line | Walk ~10–13 minutes from the terminus |
| Big Blue Bus | Stops at Ocean & Pico near the hotel |
| Hotel bikes | Seasonal complimentary rentals via Beach Concierge |
Practical tips and arrival notes
Shutters on the Beach asks guests to contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival with arrival details; the reservation holder must be at least 18 years old and present a matching photo ID and credit card at check-in.
The hotel offers overnight valet parking and an on-site electric vehicle charging station; a mandatory resort fee applies (the resort fee covers fitness center access, classes, pool and spa access, Wi‑Fi, in-room bottled water, and a newspaper).
- If you need a guaranteed airport pickup, book the hotel's 24-hour roundtrip shuttle in advance (it’s offered for a surcharge).
- Call ahead if you expect to arrive very early or after 5:00 AM, as the property recommends advance arrival details.
- If you’re staying in an Ocean View suite at rack rate, check whether the suite’s booking includes complimentary town-car transport to/from select area airports.
| What to bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID & credit card | Required at check-in by hotel policy |
| Arrival details | Hotel requests guests contact them 24 hours before arrival |
| Proof for special airport perks | Some Ocean View suite bookings include town-car transport; confirm at booking |
