If you live in Simi Valley and need to reach Downtown LA or the airports without driving every day, you have real options. You can ride Metrolink’s Ventura County Line to Union Station and connect to local buses or airport shuttles. With a little planning, your door-to-door routine can be predictable and stress-lowering. This guide walks you through the practical steps, timing, and tips to test your route before you commit. Let’s dive in.
Simi Valley Station: your starting point
Simi Valley Station is your local stop on Metrolink’s Ventura County Line. It works as a park-and-ride for drivers and a transfer hub for Simi Valley Transit and Ventura County intercity buses. Many commuters start here in the morning and connect to Los Angeles or nearby job centers.
Policies and amenities can change. Before your first trip, verify the latest details with Metrolink and the City of Simi Valley. Focus on what affects your daily routine.
What to check before you go:
- Parking: daily vs. permit stalls, typical morning fill times, any overnight rules, and whether EV chargers are available.
- Drop-off: marked kiss-and-ride zones and short-term curb areas.
- Bikes: rack and locker availability, plus locker reservation steps if offered.
- Station amenities: shelter, real-time boards, ticket machines, and restrooms.
- Accessibility: ADA features and boarding assistance procedures.
Ventura County Line: what to expect
The Ventura County Line connects Ventura County cities to Los Angeles Union Station. From Simi Valley, you get a one-seat ride to Union Station on weekdays and a reduced schedule on weekends. Morning and evening peaks are designed for commuters, while midday and weekends have fewer trains.
Plan your time realistically. The train ride from Simi Valley to Union Station is often about an hour, give or take, depending on the train and stops. Add time for station access and your final transfer. Occasional delays can happen, so build in a buffer if you have a timed appointment or a flight.
Tickets are distance-based. Buy before boarding using the Metrolink app or the station ticket machines. Regular riders can look into monthly or multi-ride options. If you plan to transfer to LA Metro rail or bus at Union Station, you may need a TAP card. Check current transfer rules to see what’s covered by your Metrolink ticket.
Bikes are allowed on Metrolink within posted rules, and luggage is generally permitted. If you travel with a bike or larger bags, review car capacity and storage guidance and give yourself extra time to board safely.
Local buses and first/last-mile choices
Simi Valley Transit runs local fixed-route service that can bring you to and from Simi Valley Station. Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) operates intercity routes that connect cities across the county. These services are useful if you live too far to walk, you want to avoid parking uncertainty, or you prefer a no-car commute.
If you rely on a feeder bus, check whether schedules line up with peak Metrolink times. Be ready with a backup plan for missed connections, such as a bike, a different bus, or a drop-off. Local bus fares are separate from Metrolink unless a transfer policy says otherwise, so confirm the latest payment rules and whether regional fare media are accepted.
Door-to-door plans you can try
The following templates help you map your daily routine. Always check the day’s schedules and allow for connections.
Simi Valley to Downtown LA (Union Station and beyond)
- Get to Simi Valley Station by car, bike, walking, or Simi Valley Transit. If you plan to park, arrive early if you travel during the morning peak.
- Board the Ventura County Line train to Los Angeles Union Station. Weekday peak trains usually offer the most convenient timing for commuters.
- At Union Station, walk or transfer to Metro Rail or Metro buses, or use a rideshare to reach your final destination.
Typical time range from a central Simi Valley start: 5–20 minutes to access the station, about 45–75 minutes on the train, and 5–30 minutes to reach your office from Union Station. Your exact time will depend on walking distance, transfers, and wait times.
Simi Valley to LAX
- Take Metrolink from Simi Valley to Union Station.
- At Union Station, board the LAX FlyAway bus, which runs nonstop to the airport terminals. You will need a FlyAway ticket; confirm current purchase options and schedules.
Give yourself a generous buffer for flights. Rail delays and bus headways can add minutes, and airport security can be unpredictable. Many travelers allow at least several hours from Simi Valley to the terminal, especially for early morning flights or busy travel days.
Simi Valley to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
- Options can vary by day and time. You may be able to use Metrolink with a transfer point or route through Union Station. Some paths involve a short shuttle or bus connection near the airport.
- Use the official trip planner to compare your options for your specific flight time. If timing is tight or you have heavy luggage, consider a car or rideshare alternative.
No-car commute: bus-rail mixes
- Combine Simi Valley Transit or VCTC Intercity to reach Simi Valley Station, then continue to Union Station by rail.
- Bus-only trips to LA are possible but often slower and less predictable. If you try an all-bus route, review multiple timetables and note any transfer points so you can adjust on the fly.
Weekend test run plan
Testing your commute on a low-stakes day is one of the best ways to reduce stress once it counts.
Before you go:
- Review the Ventura County Line timetable for your exact day. Weekend schedules differ from weekdays.
- Buy your Metrolink ticket in the app or at the machine before boarding. If you plan to use LA Metro at Union Station, confirm TAP card and transfer rules.
- Check Simi Valley Station parking rules, including any time limits and overnight policies if relevant. If parking may be tight, switch to a bus or get a ride.
- For LAX or BUR runs, confirm both the train and the airport shuttle or bus timing and add extra time.
- Read bike and luggage policies if you plan to bring either.
On the day:
- Choose a non-critical trip, like a midday ride to Union Station and back.
- Practice your first and last mile. Walk to the stop you would normally use or take the feeder bus to learn the true connection time.
- Observe station signage, lighting, benches, and where to wait. Note where the FlyAway boards at Union Station if you plan to use it later.
Safety and comfort:
- Evaluate lighting and pedestrian routes at the station and nearby bus stops, especially if your commute will be early or late.
Quick checklist for your trial day:
- Ticket purchased before boarding
- Timetable screenshot saved to your phone
- Backup bus or rideshare option identified
- TAP card topped up if needed
- Extra time buffer for unexpected delays
Common pitfalls and pro tips
- Verify your exact train and bus times for the specific day you travel. Weekday and weekend patterns can differ.
- Give yourself parking alternatives. Lots can fill in the morning peak.
- Get your TAP card sorted if you plan to transfer at Union Station.
- Build in buffer time for airport trips. Metrolink is generally reliable, but delays can happen.
- Subscribe to service alerts through the official channels so you know about schedule changes or disruptions.
Is a rail-friendly location right for you?
If you are house hunting in Ventura County, your commute can guide your search. Some neighborhoods offer easier access to bus stops or a shorter drive to Simi Valley Station. Other areas may trade longer station trips for more space or different amenities. Think about how often you will ride, whether you will park, and what time you travel.
If you are selling, highlighting a practical commute to Union Station or the airports can appeal to buyers who value predictable travel. Either way, a clear plan supports your daily routine and your long-term housing decision.
If you would like help matching your housing needs with your commute pattern, reach out. With over 30 years of local experience across Ventura County, Robin Plain can help you weigh tradeoffs and plan a move that supports your work and travel schedule.
Ready to talk through your options or plan a relocation? Call or email Robin for a personalized Ventura County market consultation.
FAQs
How often do Metrolink trains run on the Ventura County Line?
- Peak weekday service is more frequent than midday and weekends. Always check the current Ventura County Line timetable or trip planner for your specific day and time.
Can you park overnight at Simi Valley Station?
- Policies and capacity can change. Confirm current rules with the City of Simi Valley or the official Metrolink station page before you travel.
What fare media do you need when transferring at Union Station?
- Metrolink tickets are separate from LA Metro’s TAP card. If you continue on Metro Rail or buses, you may need a TAP card. Review current transfer and pass options.
How reliable is Metrolink for LAX flights from Simi Valley?
- It is generally reliable for commuting, but rail corridors can face delays. Build in extra time and confirm both your train and FlyAway bus schedules.
Can you bring a bike or luggage on Metrolink?
- Yes, bikes are allowed within posted rules and luggage is permitted. Check current capacity and storage guidance, and allow extra time to board safely.
