Blog › Where to Stay Near SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood is expected to host the Opening Ceremony, Athletics, and American Football events for the 2028 Olympics. It is one of the busiest venue sites in the entire Games, which means choosing where you stay relative to it matters a lot for how your days play out.
This guide covers the realistic options: which neighborhoods put you closest, what transport looks like on event days, and what trade-offs to consider when booking.
SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, about 10 miles southwest of Downtown LA and roughly 3 miles from LAX airport. It sits on the edge of what was previously a major commercial area, and the surrounding neighborhoods are actively changing as the 2028 Games approach.
On a normal day, driving from central LA to SoFi takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. On event days during the Olympics, expect that figure to be significantly higher. The closer you stay, the less you are affected by wider traffic disruption.
Staying directly in Inglewood puts you the closest to the stadium on foot or by a short rideshare. The neighborhood has changed considerably since SoFi opened in 2020, with more hotel and dining options appearing near the stadium. It is still a working-class neighborhood, not a tourist area, but it is functional and continues to develop.
Best for: maximum venue proximity, minimizing transport logistics
Watch out for: fewer walkable dining and entertainment options compared to Santa Monica or Downtown
El Segundo is a small, quiet city immediately south of LAX, about 4–6 miles from SoFi. Manhattan Beach is a pleasant, walkable beach city just a bit further south. Both areas have good hotel options, significantly better dining and walking environments than Inglewood itself, and relatively manageable distances to the stadium.
Best for: families, people who want a beach-adjacent base with reasonable stadium access
The cluster of hotels near LAX is dense and often significantly cheaper than Santa Monica or Downtown. SoFi Stadium is just a few miles away. If your priority is pure price efficiency and you are happy to rideshare to events and beaches, LAX-adjacent hotels are worth considering.
Best for: budget travelers, late arrivals or early departures
Watch out for: aircraft noise, limited walkable environment
Santa Monica is the most popular base for first-time LA visitors. The beaches, Third Street Promenade, and overall walkability make it genuinely pleasant to stay. SoFi is about 15–18 miles away, which in normal conditions is manageable but can be slow during Olympic congestion.
Best for: visitors who want an enjoyable overall LA experience, not just venue proximity
LA Metro is expected to significantly expand its transit options to and around SoFi Stadium for the 2028 Games. The Metro C Line (formerly Green Line) connects to Inglewood. Check metro.net for updates as the 2028 shuttle and service plans firm up closer to the Games.
Plan for road closures, traffic diversions, and heavier-than-normal demand for rideshare services around any major event at SoFi. If you are driving, arrive very early or do not drive at all.
Not sure which area is right for your schedule? Our neighborhood comparison tool helps you match your venue days to where you sleep.
Compare neighborhoodsHow close is SoFi Stadium to LAX airport?
SoFi Stadium is approximately 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. In normal traffic, that is a 10-15 minute drive. On Olympic event days, budget significantly more time.
Can I walk to SoFi Stadium from nearby hotels?
If you stay in Inglewood close to the stadium, some hotels are within a 15-20 minute walk. Most hotels elsewhere in the area require transport. Always confirm walking distance before booking.
Is there Metro access to SoFi Stadium?
Yes, the Metro C Line connects to Inglewood and is accessible from various points in LA. Additional Olympics-specific transit plans may be in place for 2028. Check metro.net for current updates.
How far is Santa Monica from SoFi Stadium?
Santa Monica is approximately 15-18 miles from SoFi Stadium. In normal traffic this takes 25-40 minutes. During Olympic event days, plan for considerably longer or use public transit.
Related: Best Neighborhoods to Stay in LA for the 2028 Olympics | LA Metro Guide | SoFi Stadium Venue Guide