Crypto.com Arena (basketball and events) and the LA Convention Center (boxing, fencing, table tennis, taekwondo, wrestling) are the most Metro-accessible Olympic venues. Located in downtown LA, just steps from multiple transit lines.
Crypto.com Arena and the LA Convention Center sit at the heart of downtown Los Angeles, making them the most accessible Olympic venues by Metro. This downtown cluster is just seconds away from multiple transit lines, with direct access via the E Line (Expo), multiple downtown transfer points, and easy walking connections to the L.A. Live entertainment district and South Park restaurants.
The good news: you have multiple routes to choose from, all quick and affordable. The better news: unlike venues in Pasadena or Inglewood, you don't need a special line extension. Everything is already here.
The E Line (Expo) is your fastest direct route to Crypto.com Arena and the LA Convention Center. This light rail line runs east-west across Los Angeles, connecting downtown to the Exposition Park area and beyond. Pico Station is the closest stop to both venues.
Pico Station to Venue: 5-minute walk. Exit the station heading north on Pico Boulevard, and you'll see the Arena and Convention Center immediately. The route is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly, with clear signage during the Olympics.
| Route | Travel Time | Frequency (Peak) | Walk to Arena |
|---|---|---|---|
| E Line to Pico Station | Varies by origin | Every 6–8 minutes | 5 minutes |
| From LAX via K Line transfer | ~50 minutes total | K Line every 8–10 min | 5 minutes |
| From Pasadena (A Line to 7th St) | ~25–30 minutes | A Line every 6–8 min | 12 minutes |
If you're coming from the north (Pasadena, San Fernando Valley) or east, the A Line, B Line, or D Line will bring you to 7th St/Metro Center, downtown's primary transit hub. From there, you have two options:
LAX travelers should take the K Line (Downtown Inglewood Line, formerly Airport Metro Connector) from LAX directly to the Expo/Crenshaw station. From there, transfer to the E Line heading toward Expo/Downtown, and ride to Pico Station.
This route avoids airport ground transportation costs and post-Olympic traffic on the 405 entirely. During the Olympics, airport shuttles and rideshare will be expensive and congested. Metro is your move.
Gold Line riders coming from Pasadena should take the A Line (formerly the Gold Line/Red Line) southbound toward Downtown Los Angeles. The train pulls into 7th St/Metro Center, the downtown hub.
From 7th St/Metro Center, you have two options:
Travel time from Pasadena: 25–30 minutes total (including the walk).
Here's what makes this area special: Crypto.com Arena, the LA Convention Center, Peacock Theater, and the entire L.A. Live entertainment district are all within walking distance of each other. If you're attending multiple events over the Games, you can walk between venues in 5–15 minutes.
Within Walking Distance: Crypto.com Arena (20,000 capacity, basketball), LA Convention Center (boxing, fencing, table tennis, taekwondo, wrestling), Peacock Theater (200-meter pool for swimming/diving, modern pentathlon), and hundreds of restaurants, bars, and shops at L.A. Live and South Park.
A TAP card (Transit Access Pass) is LA Metro's electronic fare card, and you'll need one to ride the E Line and any rail service to Crypto.com Arena. TAP cards are reloadable, easy to use, and accepted on all Metro lines and buses.
| Fare Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single E Line Trip | $1.75 | One-way rides |
| Day Pass (Unlimited 24 hrs) | $5.00 | Multiple events in one day |
| Weekly Pass | $20 | Multi-day Olympics itinerary |
| TAP Card Registration | Free | Protect your balance online |
Downtown LA parking during the 2028 Olympics will be expensive, scarce, and stressful. Here's the comparison:
Parking Costs: Downtown LA parking typically ranges from $10–$30 per event. During the Olympics, expect event-based surge pricing ($40–$60+) and potential sell-outs. Multi-day attendees will spend $100–$300+ on parking alone.
Traffic Delays: Getting to downtown LA from LAX or other regions will take 45 minutes to over an hour during Olympic events. The E Line? 50 minutes from LAX with no traffic stress, and a guaranteed seat once you're past peak times.
Convenience: Pico Station puts you 5 minutes from the Arena entrance. No hunting for parking, no post-event traffic jams, no remote lot walks in the dark.
Crypto.com Arena is home to the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. During the 2028 Olympics, it will host basketball events and other major sports competitions. The Arena sits in the heart of downtown LA, immediately adjacent to L.A. Live.
The LA Convention Center, located directly next to Crypto.com Arena (literally connected by a short walk), will host five Olympic sports during 2028:
All five sports are accessible from a single Metro stop and location. This is unmatched efficiency.
LA Metro is committed to accessibility for all riders. The E Line and Pico Station feature:
For accessibility questions, contact LA Metro's Customer Relations at (323) 922-2000 or visit metro.net/accessibility.
The L.A. Live entertainment complex is directly attached to Crypto.com Arena and offers dozens of restaurant, bar, and cafe options. The South Park neighborhood (one block south) has additional restaurants, breweries, and street food. You can grab a bite before the event or celebrate after.
Pro tip: Arrive early and explore L.A. Live while you wait for gates to open. It's a full dining and entertainment district.
Pico Station (E Line / Expo) is the closest, just a 5-minute walk from the Arena entrance. If you're coming via the A, B, or D Lines, you'll arrive at 7th St/Metro Center, a 12-minute walk (or 7 minutes via a one-stop E Line hop to Pico).
A single trip costs $1.75. A day pass (unlimited rides for 24 hours) costs $5.00. A weekly pass costs $20.00. If you're attending multiple events, the weekly pass saves money.
Approximately 50 minutes total. Take the K Line from LAX to Expo/Crenshaw (~25–30 min), transfer to the E Line toward Expo (~15 min to Pico), and walk 5 minutes to the Arena. This beats any rideshare or parking option during the Olympics.
Yes, but Crypto.com Arena has a clear bag policy. Only transparent bags no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches are permitted, or a small clutch (no larger than 5 x 7 inches). Always check the official Crypto.com Arena website for the latest bag requirements before attending.
Yes, Pico Station is fully accessible with elevators, accessible platforms, accessible restrooms, and accessible seating areas on all trains. LA Metro provides assistance for riders with mobility needs at all downtown stations.
The downtown cluster (Arena, Convention Center, Peacock Theater) is all walkable. You can move between venues in 5–15 minutes on foot. Buy a day pass ($5) for unlimited rides if you're using Metro multiple times.
Yes, LA Metro will operate enhanced service during the Olympic Games, including increased train frequency, express trains during peak times, and extended late-night service on event days. Details will be announced closer to the Games.
Service schedules and Olympic-specific information can change. Before your trip to Crypto.com Arena or the LA Convention Center during the 2028 Olympics, verify current service status at metro.net or call LA Metro at (323) 922-2000.
You can also follow @metrolosangeles on social media for real-time updates and Olympic service announcements.