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Getting Around

How to Get and Use a TAP Card for the 2028 Olympics

TAP is LA Metro's transit card system. Learn how to buy one, load value, use discounts, and avoid common mistakes for seamless travel during the 2028 Olympics.

Buy a TAP Card Pricing & Passes

What is a TAP Card?

TAP stands for Transit Access Pass. It's LA Metro's electronic fare payment system used on all Metro buses, light rail, and heavy rail lines. During the 2028 Olympics, you'll need a TAP card to ride the K Line, D Line, A Line, and all other Metro services.

TAP cards are:

Where to Buy a TAP Card

Option 1: At Metro Rail Stations (Fastest)

The easiest way to get a TAP card is at a Metro rail station vending machine. Every Metro rail station has TAP vending machines available.

Steps:

  1. Find a TAP vending machine at the station entrance or on the platform
  2. Select "Buy a New TAP Card"
  3. Choose how much value to load ($1–$500)
  4. Pay with credit/debit card or cash (machines accept most payment methods)
  5. Insert your blank card or the machine will issue one
  6. Your TAP card is ready immediately

Cost of blank card: $2 (included in your first load)

Option 2: Online at TAP Website (Best for Planning Ahead)

Visit taptogo.net to order a TAP card online before your trip.

Steps:

  1. Go to taptogo.net
  2. Select "Order a TAP Card"
  3. Enter your information and delivery address
  4. Load value onto the card ($5–$500)
  5. Pay online with credit card
  6. Card arrives by mail in 7–10 business days

Best for: International visitors who want to have a card ready when they arrive

Option 3: Retail Locations

Some retailers sell and load TAP cards, including:

Note: Not all retail locations carry TAP cards, and availability varies. Call ahead or check taptogo.net for a retailer locator.

Option 4: Your Hotel

Many hotels in the LA area, especially those catering to tourists and Olympic visitors, have TAP cards available at the front desk or concierge.

Cost: Usually a small markup, but convenient if you're in a hurry

TAP Card Pricing & Passes

Single Ride Fares

Fare Type Cost Valid On
Light Rail (K Line, A Line, D Line, etc.) $1.75 One light rail trip
Heavy Rail (Red Line, Purple Line) $1.75 One heavy rail trip
Bus $2.00 One bus trip
Transfer (within 2 hours) $0.50 Transfer from bus to rail or vice versa

Day Passes & Weekly Passes

Pass Type Cost Best For
Day Pass (Unlimited) $7.50 Unlimited bus + rail for 24 hours. Buy this if you're making 5+ trips in one day.
Weekly Pass $32 Unlimited bus + rail for 7 days. Best for multi-day Olympic visits.
30-Day Pass $115 Unlimited bus + rail for 30 days. For long-term stays.

Senior & Disabled Discounts

If you qualify for reduced fares:

You'll need to register for a reduced-fare TAP card at taptogo.net or at a Metro Customer Service Center with proof of eligibility.

Can International Visitors Use Contactless Credit Cards?

This is a common question. Partial yes:

For Olympic Visitors: Since most Olympic venues require rail access (K Line to SoFi/Intuit, A Line to Long Beach, D Line to UCLA), you'll need a TAP card. Don't rely on contactless credit cards for rail travel.

How to Use Your TAP Card

On Light Rail (K, A, D Lines)

  1. As you approach the turnstile or gate, have your TAP card ready
  2. Tap your card on the yellow TAP reader mounted on the gate or pole
  3. You'll hear a beep and the gate will open
  4. Keep tapping: When you exit the train at your destination, tap again on a yellow reader near the exit
  5. Your fare is automatically deducted

Important: You must tap both entering AND exiting on rail lines. If you don't tap out, the system may deduct the wrong fare or charge extra.

On Buses

  1. Board the bus and go to the fare reader (near the driver)
  2. Tap your TAP card on the reader
  3. You'll hear a beep and see a confirmation light
  4. DO NOT tap when exiting the bus — it's a flat-fare system

Checking Your Balance

Common TAP Card Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Not Tapping Out on Rail

Problem: You tap in to the K Line but forget to tap out. The system charges you for two trips instead of one.

Solution: Always tap out when you exit the train. It's easy to forget, but it's critical on light rail and heavy rail.

Mistake #2: Running Out of Balance

Problem: Your TAP card balance runs out and you're stuck without a way to pay.

Solution: Check your balance regularly and reload at vending machines or online. Keep a backup payment method (cash, credit card) just in case.

Mistake #3: Buying Single Fares Instead of Day Pass

Problem: You make 5 trips in one day, paying $1.75 × 5 = $8.75, when a day pass would have cost $7.50.

Solution: If you're making more than 4 trips in a day, buy a day pass instead.

Mistake #4: Not Registering Your Card

Problem: You lose your card and have no way to recover the balance.

Solution: Register your card at taptogo.net as soon as you get it. If it's lost or stolen, you can file a claim.

Mistake #5: Using Contactless Credit on Rail

Problem: You try to use a contactless credit card on the K Line to SoFi Stadium, but it doesn't work.

Solution: Use a TAP card on all rail lines. Contactless credit cards only work on buses.

Loading More Value & Reloading

Add Value Anytime

You can add value to your TAP card at:

Set Up Auto-Reload

If you register your TAP card online, you can set up automatic reloading. When your balance falls below a certain amount, your card automatically refunds with a set amount (e.g., $20) charged to your credit card.

How: Register at taptogo.net → Account Settings → Auto-Reload

The LA Metro App

Download the free LA Metro app to:

Download: Available on iOS and Android

TAP Card Tips for 2028 Olympics

TL;DR: Get a TAP card at a rail station, load value or buy a day/weekly pass, tap entering and exiting on rail, tap only when entering on buses, and check your balance daily. It's simple once you get the hang of it.