Los Angeles has a reputation as impossible to navigate without a car. For the 2028 Olympics, that reputation needs updating — Metro rail has expanded significantly, and on event days, driving is usually the worst option available.
Here is an honest breakdown of your choices.
Metro Rail — Better Than You Think
LA Metro operates 6 rail lines covering most Olympic venues. Fares are $1.75/ride or $5 for a day pass. Pay with a TAP card (buy at station vending machines, $2 card fee) or contactless bank card.
The 7th/Metro Center station in Downtown LA is the main interchange — if you are staying anywhere near Downtown, you can reach most venues with one or two Metro connections.
Key routes: A Line (Blue/Gold) for Long Beach and Pasadena. E Line (Expo) for Santa Monica and UCLA. K Line (Crenshaw) for Inglewood/SoFi. B Line (Red) for Hollywood.
Metro will almost certainly be faster than driving or rideshare on major event days — Opening and Closing Ceremonies especially. The LA Metro agency typically adds service frequency during major events.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) — Use Strategically
Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout LA and are the practical choice for venues with no direct Metro connection (Honda Center in Anaheim, El Dorado Park in Long Beach, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson). However:
- Surge pricing during Opening/Closing Ceremonies can be extreme — 3–5x base fares not unusual
- Pickup from LAX uses the LAX-it lot — follow airport signage, not the old curbside pickup areas
- Book rideshares well in advance for predictable event times if the app allows
- Have a Metro route as a backup plan before every event
LAX FlyAway Bus — Underrated
The LAX FlyAway bus runs from LAX directly to Union Station in Downtown LA ($9.75 one-way, approximately 50 minutes). This is significantly cheaper than rideshare from LAX to Downtown and more predictable on traffic. From Union Station, all Metro rail lines connect. For Big Blue Bus Line 3 from LAX to UCLA/Santa Monica ($1.25), check lawa.org.
Driving — Usually Wrong
LA's freeways are heavily congested in normal conditions. During the Olympics, expect significantly worse traffic near venue corridors. Parking at most venues costs $25–60 per event and fills fast. If you must drive, leave much earlier than you think necessary and have a parking plan before you arrive.
Exceptions where driving makes sense: arriving very early before event-day traffic peaks, visiting neighborhoods not on Metro routes (parts of Malibu, Topanga, etc.), or groups who need to travel together with luggage.
Practical Transport Tips
- Download the Metro app and Google Maps (save offline LA maps before travelling)
- Load your TAP card with at least $20 before your first event
- For Honda Center (Anaheim): Metrolink from Union Station is the best option — not LA Metro
- For Rose Bowl: Metro A Line (Gold) to Memorial Park, then event shuttle
- For SoFi: K Line Crenshaw to Hollywood Park station (verify extension completion at metro.net)
- For Long Beach venues: Metro A Line (Blue) to Downtown Long Beach
Full Transport Guides
See our detailed guides for Metro rail routes, LAX arrivals, and rideshare tips.
Metro Guide →