Los Angeles is getting ready for the World Cup excitement, but if you’re thinking of driving or parking for the game, you might want to prepare yourself.
From June 12 to July 10, SoFi Stadium will host eight matches, and with an influx of fans cheering for their teams, parking prices could skyrocket—anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on where you park.
The limited parking around the stadium can turn game days into quite a hassle. But there’s a simpler and more affordable option that might just save the day.
Rather than driving, fans can opt for the LA Metro at just $1.75 each way. This flat fee not only covers transportation but also provides direct access to the World Cup shuttle. The Metro’s plans for the World Cup focus on making it easier for people to reach the stadiums without relying on cars.
Game attendees can take either the C or K line, then switch to a shuttle bus heading straight to the stadium. Alternatively, they can catch the 115, 117, or 212 bus that stops nearby.
If driving part of the way is more your style, be ready to pay some fees. Early bird parking rates through Metro’s park-and-ride services range from around $55 to $101, which is significantly cheaper than parking right next to the stadium. The farther you park, generally the less you’ll pay.
It’s a good idea to reserve parking spots early through services like SpotHero before they run out.
Metro is approaching this situation differently than a regular game day. They’ve announced that services will begin up to four hours before kick-off and run until two hours post-game.
In response to the expected crowd, LA Metro has initiated a “hat trick” plan, enlisting over 100 school buses to bolster their fleet. Direct bus services will launch from several hubs throughout Los Angeles County, with assistance from more than 10 regional transit agencies.
Officials have been clear that traffic around the stadium will likely be intense. An estimated 180,000 fans are set to arrive from across the globe, and with limited parking options, just navigating toward SoFi Stadium could be a logistical challenge.
“Instead of spending money on pricey parking or waiting in traffic, fans can focus on enjoying soccer with fellow enthusiasts as they head to and from the matches,” said Metro Board President and Whittier City Councilman Fernando Dutra.
Compared to the hefty fees for parking nearby, $100 at Metro seems like a steal. FIFA’s official World Cup parking site lists prices from $250 to $300, not to mention it’s a 22-minute walk to the stadium from those spots.
On the secondary market, parking prices can reach ludicrous figures, sometimes up to $1,200 for on-site spots and around $700 for parking a mile away.
Online, many sports fans have criticized the pricing as a clear example of income disparity.
“The World Cup and the upcoming Olympics aren’t really set up to be accessible to regular fans,” one frustrated local shared on Reddit.
Another echoed that not everyone has the thousands of dollars it takes to attend a game.
One more user suggested that fans might consider cycling to the venue and then abandoning their bikes at the gate rather than paying for distant parking.
