Commuting without driving every day is possible from Thousand Oaks, and you have more options than you might think. Whether you are planning a move or rethinking your daily routine, you want a commute that is predictable, affordable, and easy to navigate. This guide breaks down the key bus routes, park and ride lots, fares, rail links, and simple planning tips so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Thousand Oaks works for bus commuters
Thousand Oaks sits at a regional transit crossroads. Local Thousand Oaks Transit, VCTC Intercity, LADOT Commuter Express, and LA Metro services all meet at the Thousand Oaks Transportation Center at 265 S. Rancho Rd., which serves as the main hub and a primary park and ride. You can connect to county routes, LA commuter lines, and local circulators in one place. Review the city’s overview of transit links and parking rules on the Thousand Oaks Regional Transportation page.
Your main bus options
Thousand Oaks Transit for local trips
Use Thousand Oaks Transit (TOT) for local connections to neighborhood stops, Cal Lutheran, The Oaks mall, hospitals, and the Transportation Center. Weekday service starts early in the morning with Saturday service available. TOT offers single rides and passes, plus Dial‑A‑Ride for seniors and ADA riders. Check hours, fares, and how to plan a trip on the City’s TOT page.
VCTC Intercity for county and cross‑county
VCTC Intercity buses link Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park with Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, and cross‑county corridors including the Coastal Express. Many buses include bike racks and accessible features. See county route connections on the VCTC transit page, and learn about contactless options like Tap2Ride and VCbuspass on VCTC’s payment page.
LADOT Commuter Express to LA
For peak‑period trips into Los Angeles, LADOT Commuter Express routes 422 and 423 run weekday service with limited stops and park and ride pickups. LADOT uses zone‑based fares and offers multi‑ride tickets and monthly passes, including mobile options. Review routes, stops, and fares on the LADOT Commuter Express 422 page.
LA Metro 161 to Warner Center
LA Metro bus 161 connects the Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village area to the Warner Center and Woodland Hills employment corridors, where you can transfer to other Metro services. For current stop and timetable details, see this LA Metro 161 stop page.
Park and ride: where to park
Thousand Oaks Transportation Center
This is the main park and ride and boarding point for many services at 265 S. Rancho Rd. Parking is first‑come, first‑served with a posted 72‑hour limit and restrictions on RVs and commercial vehicles. The city notes that vanpools should coordinate in advance for designated spaces. Review the latest rules on the Regional Transportation page.
Janss Park & Ride
Near the 23 Freeway at or around 1336 E. Janss Rd., this public lot is used by commuters. Third‑party directories list an estimated capacity, which can change. If exact counts matter, confirm with the City before you rely on it. See the current third‑party listing on Parkopedia for Janss Park & Ride.
Rancho Conejo lot for LADOT
The Caltrans/LADOT park and ride at 475 Rancho Conejo Blvd in Newbury Park is commonly used for LADOT Commuter Express pickups. Check the LADOT route page above for stops and timing before you go.
Nearby Caltrans lots
Lots in Agoura Hills and along Kanan and Canwood, as well as Pleasant Valley in Camarillo, can help you board commuter buses or connect to rail. Availability and rules vary by lot and are posted on site. Many lots are free, but they can fill during peak periods.
Fares and paying: what to expect
Thousand Oaks Transit
TOT publishes single‑ride fares and 7‑day and 31‑day passes, with Dial‑A‑Ride pricing for eligible riders. Transfers with VCTC are coordinated. See current details on the City’s TOT page.
VCTC Intercity
VCTC uses zone pricing for county and intercounty trips. Tap2Ride and VCbuspass make paying and transferring easier across participating operators. Review options and discounts on VCTC’s payment page.
LADOT Commuter Express
LADOT lists zone‑based one‑way fares, reduced fares for eligible riders, and multi‑ride and monthly passes. Mobile ticketing is available. Plan your costs on the Commuter Express 422 page.
Rail connections if you want a backup
Metrolink from Moorpark
For longer trips toward Downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, the Ventura County Line from Moorpark is a common choice. The station offers parking, bike parking, and connections to local buses. Learn more on the Metrolink Moorpark Station page.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
For occasional intercounty travel, riders sometimes combine VCTC or local buses with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner from Oxnard or Camarillo. Some Metrolink monthly pass arrangements can include Rail 2 Rail use on certain trips. Verify current details with Metrolink or Amtrak before you plan it.
First and last mile made simple
Use a short TOT ride, biking, walking, a drop‑off, or a small neighborhood carpool to reach your bus stop or park and ride. Most intercity and local buses have bike racks. If you are an ADA or senior rider, TOT’s Dial‑A‑Ride can help with local trips by reservation. See local service info on the City’s TOT page and county resources on the VCTC transit page.
Practical tips for smoother commutes
- Start at the Transportation Center if you want the widest set of connections in one place.
- For LA‑bound trips, compare LADOT Commuter Express and a Metrolink connection from Moorpark to see which timing works best for you.
- Use contactless options like Tap2Ride or VCbuspass on VCTC to speed boarding and simplify transfers.
- Follow posted parking rules, including the 72‑hour limit, and secure valuables since lots are not closely monitored.
- Check schedules and service alerts on the morning of travel. Operator websites provide the most current updates.
- If your commute is 15 miles or more, explore vanpools and rideshare support through VCTC’s programs at For Commuters.
Is a bus commute right for you?
A good commute supports your home life, not the other way around. With park and ride lots, intercity routes, and rail connections close by, Thousand Oaks gives you flexible choices. If you are weighing neighborhoods, we can factor in drive times to lots, route frequency, and first and last mile options while we tour.
If you want a clear plan for your commute and a home that fits your day, let’s talk. Reach out to Renee Rosen to map your options and make your move with confidence.
FAQs
What are the main park and ride lots in Thousand Oaks?
- The Thousand Oaks Transportation Center at 265 S. Rancho Rd. is the primary hub, with additional use at Janss Park & Ride and the Rancho Conejo lot that serves LADOT Commuter Express.
How do I pay for VCTC Intercity buses from Thousand Oaks?
- VCTC supports Tap2Ride and VCbuspass for contactless payment, along with zone‑based fares; see options on VCTC’s payment page.
Can I commute from Thousand Oaks to Downtown LA by bus?
- Yes. LADOT Commuter Express routes 422 and 423 offer weekday peak service with limited stops to LA employment centers; review stops, zones, and passes on the route page.
Which rail station is best if I live in Thousand Oaks?
- Moorpark is the nearest Metrolink station for many Thousand Oaks riders on the Ventura County Line, with parking and local bus links.
What are the parking rules at the Thousand Oaks Transportation Center?
- Parking is first‑come, first‑served with a posted 72‑hour limit and restrictions on RVs and commercial vehicles; vanpools should coordinate with the City in advance.
