“I rely on the bus to get to work every day, and while it’s not always the fastest, it saves me a ton on gas and parking,” says Jenna, a longtime Huntington Beach resident. For many people in this coastal Southern California city, public transportation is an affordable way to get around. Here’s what you can expect to pay for transit in Huntington Beach in 2025.
What You’ll Spend on Transit in Huntington Beach
In Huntington Beach, a standard one-way bus fare costs $2.00 as of 2025. If you’re a frequent rider, investing in a monthly pass can provide significant savings. A 30-day bus pass in Huntington Beach typically costs $69.00.
These prices are in line with transit costs in similar-sized cities across the region. In Southern California beach communities like Huntington Beach, a monthly transit pass typically runs between $60–$100 depending on the level of coverage and service frequency.
Transit Options Available
The primary modes of public transportation in Huntington Beach are bus and commuter rail. The city is served by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), which operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout the county.
Key transit options in Huntington Beach include:
- OCTA bus routes with service to major destinations like downtown, the beach, and regional shopping centers
- Metrolink commuter rail with connections to Los Angeles and other parts of Orange County
- OC Flex on-demand microtransit for short local trips
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Your monthly transit costs in Huntington Beach will depend on how often you ride and which modes you use. Here’s a breakdown of what you might spend in common commuting scenarios:
| Commuting Scenario | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 5-day weekly bus commuter | $69.00 (30-day pass) |
| Weekend-only bus rider | $16.00 (8 one-way trips) |
| Heavy daily bus + rail commuter | $100-$200 (multi-modal pass) |
🏆 Winner: In Huntington Beach, a 30-day OCTA bus pass offers the best value for most regular commuters, with unlimited rides for $69/month.
Is Public Transit Worth It in Huntington Beach?
While Huntington Beach is a relatively car-dependent city, public transit can still be a cost-effective option—especially if you live and work near major bus routes. The average bus commute in Huntington Beach takes about 45 minutes one-way.
When you factor in the cost of gas, parking, and car maintenance, taking transit can lead to significant savings. However, bus frequency and coverage varies across neighborhoods. In the downtown and beach areas, it’s easier to rely on transit than in outlying residential areas.
Ways to Save on Transit
There are several ways to reduce your public transportation costs in Huntington Beach:
- Purchase monthly passes instead of individual rides
- Take advantage of student, senior, and low-income discount programs
- See if your employer offers subsidized transit passes or pre-tax commuter benefits
- Combine transit with walking, biking, or carpooling for first/last mile connections
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Huntington Beach?
For short trips, walking or biking is the most affordable option. For longer distances, taking the bus with a day pass ($5) or monthly pass ($69) is cheaper than ride-hailing or driving and parking.
Are there monthly transit passes in Huntington Beach?
Yes, the OCTA offers a 30-day pass for $69 that includes unlimited bus rides. There are also discounted passes for seniors, students, and qualifying low-income riders.
Is public transit reliable for work commutes?
It depends on your location and route. Bus service is most frequent and reliable in central Huntington Beach and along major corridors. Commuter rail is a good option for longer trips to Los Angeles or Irvine.
What discounts are available for low-income transit riders in Huntington Beach?
OCTA offers reduced fares for seniors (60+), people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients. Low-income riders may qualify for discounted passes through the LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) program.
Getting Around Smarter in Huntington Beach
While Huntington Beach isn’t known for being a transit mecca, public transportation can still be an affordable way to get around—especially if you live in a walkable area and have access to frequent bus service. Budgeting for transportation is an important part of the cost of living in any city.
By taking advantage of monthly passes, discount programs, and employer benefits, you can keep your transit costs low while enjoying all that Huntington Beach has to offer. It’s worth comparing the cost of transit to driving and parking to see which option makes the most sense for your lifestyle and budget.