Getting Around LA During the Olympics
Your complete guide to navigating Los Angeles during the Olympic Games. From Metro trains to rideshares, parking to traffic tips.
The LA Metro: Your Best Option
Fast, affordable, and the most reliable way to reach most venues
Why Take the Metro?
No traffic jams, dedicated right-of-way
Los Angeles has invested heavily in expanding its rail network ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The Metro system now connects directly to most major Olympic venues, bypassing the notorious LA traffic.
Cost
$1.75 per ride, $7 day pass
Speed
Trains every 5-10 minutes
Reliability
No traffic jams
Coverage
Direct to major venues
A Line (Blue)
DTLA to Long Beach Arena
Direct route to Long Beach water sports and beach volleyball
E Line (Expo)
DTLA to USC & Santa Monica
Essential for reaching the Coliseum and Westside venues
K Line (Crenshaw)
Direct to SoFi Stadium
Newest line, opened specifically with Olympics in mind
B & D Lines
DTLA to Hollywood & Valley
Subway lines connecting downtown to North Hollywood
L Line (Gold)
Pasadena & East LA
Access to Pasadena for soccer matches
C Line (Green)
LAX to South Bay
Airport connection and transfer point
Metro Tips for Game Days
- Buy TAP Card in advance: Available at stations, CVS, 7-Eleven
- Plan for crowds: Arrive at venues 90 minutes early
- Download Metro app: Real-time arrivals and mobile tickets
- Consider Olympic Pass: Special multi-day passes for spectators
- Watch for service changes: Extended hours during Games
Rideshare & Taxis
Convenient but expect surge pricing and traffic delays
When Rideshare Makes Sense
Best situations to use Uber, Lyft & Taxis
Good For:
- •Traveling in groups (split cost 3-4 ways)
- •Late night returns after Metro closes
- •Venues not near Metro (Sepulveda Basin, Rose Bowl)
- •Carrying accessibility equipment
Cost Estimates (Games Period):
- DTLA to Inglewood: $35-60 (surge)
- LAX to DTLA: $40-70
- Santa Monica to Coliseum: $30-50
- Long Beach to DTLA: $50-80
- Prices 2-3x normal due to demand
Quick Reference Guide
Do
- Use Metro whenever possible—it's faster and cheaper
- Buy TAP card and load it with $20+ before your trip
- Arrive 90+ minutes before event start time
- Download Metro app for real-time updates
- Consider Olympic multi-day transit pass
- Walk between nearby venues when feasible
- Check Metro service alerts day-of
Don't
- Don't drive unless absolutely necessary
- Don't expect to find venue parking day-of
- Don't request rideshare immediately after events (wait 15 min)
- Don't rely on street parking near venues
- Don't underestimate LA traffic during Games
- Don't assume normal rush hour patterns apply
- Don't forget to plan your return trip in advance