LA28 Olympics Travel Guide: Flights, Hotels & Ticket Deals

The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles promise to be an unforgettable event. Millions of visitors will flock to Southern California. Planning your trip early is crucial. This guide will help you navigate flights, accommodations, and tickets. We will also share money-saving tips. Get ready for the greatest sporting event on earth!

Los Angeles last hosted the Olympics in 1984. The city is preparing for an even bigger celebration. LA28 will feature new sports and venues. Expect world-class athletics and incredible energy. Start planning now to secure the best deals. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Understanding the LA28 Olympics Schedule and Venues

The LA28 Olympics will run from July 14 to July 30, 2028. The Paralympics follow from August 15 to August 27. These dates are perfect for summer travel. The opening ceremony will be spectacular. It will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This historic venue also hosted the 1932 and 1984 Games.

Competitions will occur across Southern California. Venues include existing world-class facilities. New temporary venues will also be built. The UCLA campus will host the Olympic Village. Athletes will stay there during the games. Many events will be in downtown Los Angeles. Others will be in Long Beach and the Valley.

Key Competition Venues

Several iconic locations will host events. Here are the main venues to know:

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum: Track and field, opening/closing ceremonies
SoFi Stadium: Soccer matches
Crypto.com Arena: Basketball and gymnastics
Dignity Health Sports Park: Tennis and archery
Long Beach Marine Stadium: Rowing and canoeing
Santa Monica Beach: Volleyball and beach events

Knowing the venues helps plan your stay. Choose accommodations near your favorite events. This saves travel time and costs. Los Angeles has extensive public transportation. The Metro system will expand for the games. Special Olympic lanes will help with traffic.

Finding the Best Flight Deals to LA28

Booking flights early is essential for the Olympics. Airlines will add extra flights to LAX. But demand will be extremely high. Start monitoring prices now. Set up price alerts on travel websites. Be flexible with your travel dates. Flying mid-week is often cheaper.

Los Angeles has several airports. LAX is the main international hub. But also consider Bob Hope Airport (BUR) or Long Beach Airport (LGB). These smaller airports might offer better deals. They are also less crowded. Orange County's John Wayne Airport (SNA) is another option.

When to Book Your Flights

Experts recommend booking 6-8 months in advance for major events. For LA28, aim to book by December 2027. This gives you the best prices. Last-minute bookings will be very expensive. Consider flying on July 13 or July 31. These are just outside the games dates. They might be cheaper.

Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner. These sites show prices across multiple airlines. They also predict price changes. Sign up for airline newsletters. They often announce flash sales.

Money-Saving Flight Tips

Here are proven strategies to save on airfare:

Book round-trip tickets instead of one-way
Use incognito mode when searching for flights
Consider budget airlines like Southwest or JetBlue
Look for flights with longer layovers (often cheaper)
Use travel reward points if you have them

According to ICAO, air travel demand increases 20% during Olympic events. This means prices will rise as the games approach. Book early to lock in lower rates. Be ready to purchase when you see a good deal.

Securing Affordable Accommodations

Hotel prices in Los Angeles will surge during the Olympics. Some estimates suggest rates may triple. The city has over 100,000 hotel rooms. But they will fill up quickly. Alternative accommodations might offer better value. Consider vacation rentals or staying with friends.

The Olympic Committee blocks many rooms for officials and athletes. This reduces availability for tourists. Book your accommodations as soon as possible. Many hotels allow free cancellation. Reserve now and continue looking for better deals.

Best Areas to Stay During LA28

Choose your location based on the events you want to see. Here are the best areas:

Downtown LA: Close to many venues and transportation hubs
Westwood/UCLA: Near the Olympic Village and several venues
Santa Monica: Beach events and cooler weather
Long Beach: Water sports and more affordable options
Hollywood: Tourist attractions and good transportation links

According to Los Angeles Times, downtown hotels will be most in demand. Consider areas slightly further out. The Metro system will make them accessible. Places like Pasadena or Burbank might offer better value.

Alternative Accommodation Options

Hotels aren't your only choice. Consider these alternatives:

Vacation rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo)
Hostels (especially for solo travelers)
University dorms (some colleges rent rooms during summer)
Home exchanges (swap homes with someone in LA)
Extended stay hotels (often have kitchen facilities)

The Airbnb host community will expand for the games. Many locals will rent their homes. This can be more affordable than hotels. It also gives you more space. Book early as these will also sell out.

Getting Olympic Tickets at the Best Prices

Olympic tickets are highly sought after. The official ticket sales will begin in 2027. Sign up for updates at LA28.org. There will be several sales phases. The first phase usually offers the best prices. Create an account early to get access.

Ticket prices vary greatly. Some events cost as little as $20. Finals and popular sports can cost hundreds. Packages that include multiple events might offer savings. Consider which events are most important to you. Have a budget in mind before tickets go on sale.

Official Ticket Buying Process

The official process typically works like this:

Register interest on the official website
Receive notification when sales open
Enter a lottery system for popular events
Select events and price categories
Complete purchase through secure portal
Receive electronic tickets closer to the event

Be wary of unofficial ticket sellers. Many are scams. Only buy through authorized resellers. The LA28 website will list approved partners. According to Olympic.org, approximately 80% of tickets sell through official channels.

Secondary Market Tips

If you miss official tickets, the secondary market is an option. But be careful. Follow these guidelines:

Only use authorized resellers approved by LA28
Check seller reviews and ratings carefully
Avoid deals that seem too good to be true
Use secure payment methods with buyer protection
Verify ticket authenticity before payment

Prices on the secondary market can be very high. For popular events, expect to pay premiums of 200-500%. Buy as early as possible. Prices usually increase as the games approach.

Budgeting for Your LA28 Experience

A trip to the Olympics requires careful budgeting. Beyond tickets and accommodations, consider these costs:

Food and drinks ($50-100 per person daily)
Local transportation ($20-40 daily)
Souvenirs and merchandise ($100-300)
Additional entertainment and tours
Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Create a detailed budget spreadsheet. Track all expected expenses. Add a 15% contingency for unexpected costs. Los Angeles can be expensive. But with planning, you can manage costs effectively.

Money-Saving Strategies

Smart travelers can significantly reduce costs. Try these strategies:

Purchase a Metro pass for unlimited transportation
Eat at food trucks and local markets instead of restaurants
Bring reusable water bottles (free refills at venues)
Look for free events and cultural programs
Share accommodations with other travelers
Book packages that combine tickets and hotels

According to Visit California, visitors spend an average of $250 daily in Los Angeles. During the Olympics, this may increase to $300-400. Plan accordingly to avoid surprises.

Navigating Los Angeles During the Olympics

Los Angeles is a sprawling city. Transportation during the games will be challenging. But authorities are preparing extensively. Special Olympic lanes will be created on freeways. Public transportation will be expanded. Understanding the system will save time and stress.

The Metro system includes trains and buses. It connects most venues and tourist areas. Purchase a TAP card for easy access. Ride-sharing services will be available. But expect surge pricing during popular events. Walking and biking might be good options in some areas.

Transportation Tips for LA28

Follow these tips for getting around:

Download the Metro LA app for real-time updates
Allow extra travel time between venues
Consider staying within walking distance of a Metro station
Use venue shuttle services when available
Avoid driving if possible (parking will be limited and expensive)
Check the official LA28 transportation plan when released

The LA Metro will likely offer special Olympic passes. These will provide unlimited travel during the games. They will be excellent value for frequent travelers.

Practical Tips for Your Olympic Journey

Proper preparation ensures a smooth experience. Here are essential tips:

Apply for any necessary visas well in advance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
Make copies of important documents
Download the official LA28 app when available
Learn basic Spanish phrases (useful in LA)
Pack for warm weather but bring layers for cool evenings
Stay hydrated in the California sun
Charge devices fully each day (bring portable chargers)

Security will be tight at all venues. Familiarize yourself with prohibited items. These typically include large bags, professional cameras, and food. Check the official guidelines before packing for each event.

FAQs About Traveling to LA28 Olympics

When should I book my LA28 trip?

Book flights and accommodations 8-12 months in advance. Tickets go on sale in 2027. Register early for ticket updates.

How much will a trip to LA28 cost?

Budget $3,000-5,000 per person for a week. This includes mid-range accommodations. Costs vary based on choices.

Are there affordable ticket options?

Yes. Many preliminary events cost $20-50. Some venues offer free entry for certain competitions.

What is the best area to stay?

Downtown LA offers best access to multiple venues. But consider your event schedule when choosing.

How do I avoid scams?

Only purchase through official channels. Verify all sellers through LA28 website. Use secure payment methods.

Will language be a problem?

No. Los Angeles is multilingual. English and Spanish are widely spoken. Venues will have multilingual staff.

What about transportation between venues?

The Metro system connects most venues. Allow 60-90 minutes between locations. Official shuttles will also operate.

Real Examples and Success Stories

Previous Olympics offer valuable lessons. For Rio 2016, travelers who booked early saved 40% on flights. London 2012 visitors found better deals outside the city center. Tokyo 2020 showed the value of package deals.

Consider this example: A family of four planning to attend LA28. They book flights 10 months early. This saves $800 compared to last-minute bookings. They choose a vacation rental near a Metro station. This saves $200 nightly over downtown hotels. They purchase event packages for 20% savings.

According to Olympic Studies Centre, smart planners typically save 30-50% compared to last-minute travelers. Early action is the key to significant savings.

Conclusion: Start Planning Your LA28 Adventure Today

The LA28 Olympics will be a spectacular event. With proper planning, you can enjoy it without breaking the bank. Start your preparations now. Book flights and accommodations early. Register for ticket updates. Create a realistic budget.

Remember the key strategies: be flexible, book early, and use official channels. Los Angeles offers incredible experiences beyond the games. Enjoy the beaches, culture, and cuisine. This will be a trip of a lifetime.

Share your planning progress with other fans. Join online communities for tips and updates. The excitement builds as we approach 2028. Get ready to witness sporting history in the City of Angels!