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Beach bus connecting Antelope Valley to Santa Monica returns Monday for summer season
A beachgoer shakes his blanket at Santa Monica Beach on May 21, 2026.
(
Justin Sullivan
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Getty Images North America
)
Topline:
A direct bus service connecting Palmdale and Lancaster with Santa Monica Beach is returning for the summer season, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced Friday.
Why it matters: Barger said the bus helps the desert communities affordably access cooler coasts, which she described as one of Southern California’s greatest treasures. “Every family in the Antelope Valley deserves a day at the beach, and the Beach Bus makes that possible,” she said in a statement.
Why now: The buses will start running on Monday, Memorial Day. After kickoff, the service will operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Last day of service is Labor Day, Sept. 7, according to Barger’s office.
The cost: Round-trip fare is $6 for adults and children, and $2 for older adults and people with disabilities.
Pro tip: Booking the bus in advance is strongly encouraged, according to Barger’s office. Riders can make reservations here.
Palmdale details: The bus will leave Palmdale at 9 a.m. and arrive at Santa Monica Beach a little before 11 a.m. The return trip will leave Santa Monica Beach at 3 p.m., arriving in Palmdale around 5:30 p.m. Riders can board at the Palmdale Transportation Center’s AVTA bus stop zone.
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The bus stop for Palmdale riders.
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L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger's office
)
Lancaster details: The bus will leave Lancaster at 8:30 a.m. and arrive at Santa Monica Beach a little before 11 a.m. The return trip will leave Santa Monica Beach at 3 p.m. and arrive back in Lancaster around 5:45 p.m. Riders can board at Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park.
The bus stop for Lancaster riders.
(
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger's office
)
Questions? For questions about the service, call (626) 458-3909 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. People who are hard of hearing can dial 711 to connect to the California Relay Service. You can also visit here or call (888) 769-1122 for more information about the 2026 Summer Beach Bus.
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