The U.S. campaign starts today, and improved public transportation to the stadium and L.A.’s fan zones can save you loads on fees and time
In the sweltering Southern California sun, what’s heating up the most is World Cup fever — but driving might dry out the vibe. For those looking to avoid somehow-even-worse traffic and the endless plight of parking, especially in anticipation of the USMNT’s debut in the tournament, public transport might just be the answer.
L.A. Metro has bolstered its bus services to go directly to SoFi Stadium, known as Los Angeles Stadium during the World Cup, from a multitude of starting points. From Anaheim and Newport to North Hollywood and Santa Monica and everywhere in between, a flat rate of $1.75 there and back — TAP or bank card, no matter — makes leaving the gas guzzler at home a no-brainer. See all direct bus routes here.
Even better news — the increased service isn’t a one-off. The direct lines will remain in place until July 10, the date of the Inglewood stadium’s final game of the tournament: a to-be-determined quarterfinal bout. Throughout this month, a special team of 2,000 Metro employees will be tasked with helping fans from far and wide navigate the county’s transportation system.
And for those coming from farther away, cross-county connections have never been better. Metrolink’s Ventura County, Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, 91/Perris Valley and Orange County lines will ramp up volume and extend service time to Union Station, an easy connection to the direct bus services to the stadium and beyond. Likewise, travelers to and from San Diego, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo can ride Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner until later than usual, though reservations will be required due to high demand.
Additionally, dotted around existing Metro rail and bus lines, both official and community fan zones and watch parties mean you don’t need a ticket to get in on the fun. For the U.S. opener alone, gatherings will welcome fans at Commerce’s Rosewood Park, Duarte Sports Park, Pasadena Civic Auditorium Plaza, a stretch of Market Street in Inglewood and WeHo’s Plummer Park. More watch parties in and around L.A. are scheduled through the tournament.
Other Metro services during the most exciting of World Cup times include Metro Micro’s $10 discount on Uber rides in parts of East Los Angeles and West Hollywood. A series of special edition TAP cards are available for purchase, which Metro encourages to load with credit ahead of time to avoid delays.