The D Line Extension to UCLA
The D Line (Purple Line) is currently the oldest subway line in LA, running from Downtown to Wilshire/Western. Metro is extending it westward to UCLA, with service expected to open in late 2025.
Opening Date: The D Line extension is scheduled to open in late 2025, just before the 2028 Olympics. This makes UCLA water polo and gymnastics venues fully accessible by Metro.
New D Line Stations (West of Wilshire/Western)
The extension will add several new stations:
- Wilshire/Normandie
- Wilshire/La Brea
- Wilshire/Highland
- Wilshire/Fairfax
- Wilshire/La Cienega
- Wilshire/Crescent Heights
- Wilshire/Western (existing, will have improved connections)
- Westwood/VA Hospital — Final station near UCLA campus
Getting to UCLA Water Polo & Gymnastics
UCLA hosts water polo and gymnastics during the 2028 Olympics. The venues are on the main campus, roughly 0.5 miles north of the Westwood/VA Hospital D Line station.
Route from Downtown LA to UCLA (Westwood/VA Hospital)
| Starting Point |
Route |
Duration |
| Union Station (Downtown) |
Take Red Line or Purple Line to Wilshire/Western, then switch to D Line westbound. Stay on D Line to Westwood/VA Hospital. Walk 10 minutes to UCLA. |
~45 minutes total |
| Hollywood/Vine |
Take Red Line south to Wilshire/Western, transfer to D Line westbound to Westwood/VA Hospital |
~35 minutes |
| LAX (via Airport Connector + Green Line) |
Connector to LAX/Metro station, Green Line north, transfer to Red/D Line, then D Line to Westwood/VA Hospital |
~90 minutes |
Walking from Westwood/VA Hospital Station to UCLA
Once you arrive at the Westwood/VA Hospital D Line station, UCLA campus is about a 10-15 minute walk north. The route includes:
- Clear signage directing visitors to UCLA
- Well-lit, pedestrian-friendly paths through the Westwood neighborhood
- Accessible routes for wheelchairs and mobility devices
- Campus shuttle buses available during events
UCLA Olympic Venues
Sports at UCLA
- Water Polo: Men's and women's matches at the UCLA Aquatic Center
- Gymnastics: Artistic and rhythmic gymnastics at Pauley Pavilion
Both venues are on the main UCLA campus, about 10 minutes walk from the D Line station.
Journey Time Calculator
Example: From SoFi Stadium (Inglewood) to UCLA Gymnastics
- K Line from Inglewood station → Transfer point
- Transfer to Red/D Line
- D Line to Westwood/VA Hospital
- Walk 10 minutes to Pauley Pavilion
- Total: ~60 minutes
D Line Service Details
Frequency
| Time Period |
Frequency |
| Peak Hours (Weekday AM/PM) |
Every 5–6 minutes |
| Off-Peak Hours |
Every 10–12 minutes |
| Late Night / Weekend |
Every 12–15 minutes |
Operating Hours
- Monday–Friday: 4:30 AM – Midnight
- Saturday: 5:30 AM – Midnight
- Sunday: 5:30 AM – Midnight
- Extended hours during Olympics: Metro will likely extend operating hours for Olympic events
Accessibility on the D Line
- All D Line stations have full wheelchair accessibility with elevators
- Accessible restrooms at major stations
- Visual and audio announcements on trains and at stations
- Staff assistance available at Westwood/VA Hospital and other major stations
- Paratransit service available for riders who cannot use fixed-route rail
Pro Tips for UCLA Events
- The D Line can get crowded during water polo and gymnastics finals — arrive early
- Bring water and snacks; UCLA campus vending is limited near some venues
- Use a day pass ($7.50) if you're making multiple trips to UCLA in one day
- Westwood/VA Hospital station is modern and clean with a news stand and ATM
- Download the LA Metro app to track real-time train arrivals and transfers
- The campus has free parking for Olympic ticketholders (ask at station for details)
Bottom Line: The D Line extension makes UCLA water polo and gymnastics accessible by direct rail from Downtown LA. Expect about 45 minutes from Union Station, plus a 10-minute walk to venues. It's a game-changer for getting to Westside venues.