Attending a concert or live event in Los Angeles? Skip the parking stress and take advantage of the city's efficient public transit system. The Expo Line and B Line, along with various bus routes, offer convenient access to popular venues in downtown LA and Hollywood.
Here's how to make your trip smoother:
- Expo Line: Connects you directly to key venues, making it easy to hop on and off.
- B Line: A quick route that serves several major locations, ensuring you arrive on time.
- Bus Services: Numerous bus lines complement the rail services, providing additional options for reaching your destination.
UR TV Cast is your go-to source for live events, concerts, shows, and entertainment programming in Los Angeles. We cover everything from major performances to local happenings, ensuring you stay informed about what’s happening in the city.
Utilizing public transit not only saves you the hassle of finding parking but also helps reduce traffic congestion. So, next time you plan to attend a show, consider taking the Metro for a stress-free experience.
Planning Your Metro Trip Around Showtime
A little preparation goes a long way when you ride Metro to a concert. Start by checking which station sits closest to your venue. The Expo Line, now part of the E Line, serves the downtown area and continues west toward Exposition Park and Santa Monica. The B Line (formerly the Red Line) runs through downtown, Hollywood and on to North Hollywood, with stops at Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine that put you within walking distance of several well-known Hollywood stages. For arenas and theaters near the downtown core, the 7th Street/Metro Center and Pico stations are useful starting points.
Fares and TAP cards
Metro uses the TAP system, so load a physical TAP card or set up the TAP app on your phone before you leave home. Doing this in advance means you skip the ticket machine queue, which can get long right before a big show. Fares and fare-capping rules change from time to time, so confirm current details on Metro's official site.
Getting home after the encore
The return trip is where most people run into trouble. Shows often end late, and train frequency drops in the evening. Before you go, look up the last departures from your nearest station and keep an eye on the clock during the set. For major events, Metro sometimes adds extra service, but don't count on it unless it has been announced. Have a backup plan, such as a late bus route or a rideshare pickup a few blocks away from the crowd.
Practical tips for a smoother night
- Travel light: many venues restrict bag sizes, and a small bag is easier on a packed train.
- Charge your phone: you may need it for your TAP app, digital tickets and trip planning.
- Leave buffer time: aim to arrive early, since security lines at large venues can be slow.
- Check for service alerts: weekend maintenance can mean bus bridges or reduced service on some lines.
- Walk with the group: after the show, follow the main crowds toward well-lit station entrances.
Want to know which stations serve the places we cover most often? Browse our LA venues section, then check the schedule to plan your next night out by train.
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