Updated 4 August 2026 · transport plans are still being finalised; confirm closer to the Games.
LA 2028 is designed to run on public transport, with no spectator parking at venues. From LAX, an automated people mover connects to the Metro rail network, and Downtown LA is the hub that links most lines to the venue zones. Plan to travel by rail, bus and shuttle, set up a transit pass in advance, and only consider a rental car if you're extending your trip beyond the Games.
Getting around LA for the Games is less about driving and more about picking the right rail connections. Here's how to get from the airport to your base and out to the venues.
Arriving: which airport?
LAX is the main international gateway, but several smaller airports can be closer to certain zones and quieter:
- LAX — most international arrivals; connects to Metro rail via an automated people mover.
- Hollywood Burbank (BUR) — handy for the Valley and Griffith Park.
- Long Beach (LGB) — closest to the Long Beach zone.
- John Wayne / Orange County (SNA) — nearest Anaheim.
- Ontario (ONT) — east of the city.
Getting around during the Games
- Base yourself near a Metro rail line; Downtown connects most of them.
- Expect shuttles from transit hubs to venues without direct rail.
- Set up a transit pass before you arrive rather than queuing on the day.
- Build in buffer time around session start and end, when crowds peak.
You can arrange airport transfers, transit passes and day tours on Klook before you fly, so your first day is stress-free.
Do you need a car?
For the Games themselves, usually no — with no venue parking and heavy event traffic, a car is often a liability. A rental makes sense mainly if you're extending your trip with day trips to the coast, mountains or beyond. If that's you, compare car-hire rates early.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Metro rail | Most venue trips | Plan connections; allow buffer time |
| Bus / shuttle | Venues off the rail lines | Slower at peak crowd times |
| Rideshare / taxi | Late nights, luggage | Surge pricing; event-time drop-off limits |
| Rental car | Trips beyond the Games | No venue parking; traffic |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Planning to drive to venues — there's no spectator parking.
- Defaulting to LAX when a smaller airport is closer to your zone.
- Not setting up a transit pass before arrival.
- Underestimating travel time across a spread-out region at peak hours.
Official sources
- la28.org — official transport updates as they're confirmed