Welcome to LA Metro!
If you're arriving from outside Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics, here's your complete guide to getting around by public transit. LA Metro serves millions of riders annually, and it's designed to be accessible and user-friendly for visitors.
Good News: LA Metro is simpler to use than transit systems in Tokyo, Paris, or London. You'll get the hang of it within a day.
Getting a TAP Card at the Airport
As soon as you arrive at LAX, buy a TAP card. This is your key to getting around LA during the Olympics.
Step-by-Step: Buying a TAP Card at LAX
- Exit your terminal: Look for signs that say "Connector" or "Metro" — they're in English and major languages
- Find a vending machine: There will be TAP vending machines in the airport
- Select your language: Most machines have English and Spanish options
- Select "Buy a New TAP Card"
- Choose how much value to load: Start with $20–$40 (covers 10–20 trips)
- Pay with credit card or cash (machines accept both)
- Take your card and receipt — you're done!
Cost: The $2 card fee is included in your first load, so $20 = $18 in trip value
Alternative: Pre-Order Before Arrival
Visit taptogo.net before your trip. You can order a TAP card online and have it loaded with value. It will arrive by mail before you leave your home country.
Basic Fares & Pricing
| Fare Type |
Cost (USD) |
When to Use |
| Single Ride (Bus or Rail) |
$1.75–$2.00 |
One trip. Not cost-effective for multiple trips. |
| Day Pass (Unlimited) |
$7.50 |
Unlimited bus + rail for 24 hours. Buy this if making 5+ trips. |
| Weekly Pass |
$32 |
Unlimited for 7 days. Best for multi-day Olympic visits. |
How LA Metro Works (Basics)
Service Frequency
- Peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM): Trains every 5–6 minutes
- Off-peak (Midday, evening): Trains every 10–15 minutes
- Late night / Early morning: Trains every 15–20 minutes
- Operating Hours: 4:30 AM – Midnight most lines
Lines You'll Use During the Olympics
- K Line (Red/Gold): To SoFi Stadium & Intuit Dome (Inglewood)
- A Line (Gold): To Long Beach & Rose Bowl (Pasadena)
- D Line (Purple): To UCLA (Westwood)
- B/D Lines (Red): To Downtown venues (Crypto.com Arena)
Safety on LA Metro
LA Metro is safe for tourists during the day and evening. Here are best practices:
- Stay in well-lit areas of stations, especially late at night
- Avoid traveling alone after midnight
- Keep valuables (phone, wallet, passport) secure and out of sight
- Sit in the middle cars of trains (more crowded, more visibility)
- Don't engage with aggressive panhandlers — simply ignore and move away
- Report suspicious behavior to station staff or transit police
- During the Olympics, security will be enhanced at all major stations
Accessibility Features
LA Metro is highly accessible for travelers with disabilities:
- All rail stations have elevators and wheelchair ramps
- All trains have accessible doors and designated wheelchair seating
- Audio and visual announcements on all trains
- Station staff available at major stations to assist
- Paratransit (ADA) services available for those who need special assistance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not Tapping Out on Rail
On buses, you tap once (boarding). On trains/rail, you must tap BOTH entering AND exiting. If you forget to tap out, the system will overcharge you.
Mistake #2: Assuming Trains Are Like Tokyo/London
LA Metro trains are less frequent than Tokyo or London systems. Plan for 10–15 minute waits at peak times. Download the LA Metro app to see real-time arrival times.
Mistake #3: Trying to Use a Credit Card on Rail
Contactless credit cards work on buses ONLY. All rail requires a TAP card. Get one at the airport!
Mistake #4: Not Loading Enough Value on Your TAP Card
Don't let your card run dry in the middle of a trip. Check your balance regularly using vending machines or the LA Metro app.
How to Navigate the System
Finding a Station
- Look for the distinctive Metro logo (a blue circle with an M)
- Major stations have clear signage in English and Spanish
- Ask station staff — they're helpful and speak English
Using a Vending Machine
- Select your language (English, Spanish, or others)
- Choose "Check Balance," "Add Value," or "Buy New Card"
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Pay with cash or card
- Take your receipt and card
Getting Help
- Phone: LA Metro Customer Service: (323) 922-2000
- Online: metro.net
- App: Download "LA Metro" app (iOS/Android)
- At Stations: Ask any staff member in a Metro uniform
Comparison: LA Metro vs. Other Cities
| Aspect |
LA Metro |
Tokyo Metro |
London Underground |
Paris Metro |
| Frequency |
10–15 min |
2–3 min |
5–7 min |
4–8 min |
| Coverage Area |
Limited (LA sprawl) |
Comprehensive |
Very comprehensive |
Comprehensive |
| Ease of Use |
Easy (English) |
Difficult (Kanji) |
Easy (English) |
Easy (multilingual) |
| Cost |
$1.75 per ride |
200–310 yen |
£1.75–£3 |
€2.15 |
| Cleanliness |
Generally clean |
Spotless |
Good |
Good |
Key Takeaways for International Visitors
- Buy a TAP card immediately at LAX — it's your ticket to everything
- Download the LA Metro app — it shows real-time train arrivals
- LA Metro is simpler than it looks once you understand TAP cards and the two-tap rule (in & out on rail)
- Service is less frequent than other major cities, so plan accordingly
- Staff are helpful and speak English at major stations
- Don't drive in LA during the Olympics — Metro is way faster
- Budget-wise: A week of Olympics travel on a weekly pass ($32) is amazing value compared to taxis/rideshare
Bottom Line for Visitors: Get a TAP card at the airport, download the app, use day/weekly passes for multiple trips, and trust the system. LA Metro will get you to every Olympic venue safely, affordably, and reliably. Welcome to LA!