Happy Thanksgiving, L.A.! 🍁🌴 Whether you’re cruising to dinner, catching a family gathering, or enjoying some holiday shopping — can’t beat public transit to keep things easy and breezy. Here’s your go-to guide for ride schedules this Thanksgiving weekend.
Here are the service changes for key transit agencies in the region:
LA Metro (bus and rail)
On Thanksgiving Day, the system will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule.Long Beach Transit
On Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) a “Special Holiday Schedule” will operate, with major corridors every ~30 minutes and branch routes every ~60-120 minutes.Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
All OCTA bus routes will run on a Sunday/Holiday schedule for Thanksgiving Day.Foothill Transit
On Thanksgiving Day, all bus lines will run according to their weekend or Sunday schedule.LADOT Transit (includes DASH & Commuter Express)
No DASH service on Thanksgiving Day except on a few specific routes.
No Commuter Express service on Thanksgiving Day except Route 142 (Route 142 will operate a holiday schedule); on the Friday after, only routes 142 and 422 will run in their current schedule.
Big Blue Bus (serving Santa Monica & adjacent)
Operates a weekend/holiday schedule on Thanksgiving Day.Metrolink (regional rail)
Trains will operate on a weekend schedule from Thanksgiving Day (Thursday) through Sunday.
Travel Tips
Assume the day is a “holiday/ Sunday” service day for most systems — check your route ahead of time.
Consider using Metrolink if you’re traveling across the region — cheaper, fewer stops, less traffic hassle.
Bring your TAP card or other contactless fare method — boarding is easier and faster.
Stations and stops may be less frequently serviced; allow extra travel time.
For major holiday shopping zones or airport transfers, expect increased ridership even if frequency is lower.