Whether you're a sports fan or not, the quadrennial Olympics is a global spectacle, and attending the Games in person is no longer an unattainable dream! The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles from July 14th to July 30th (local time, actual dates subject to official announcement). Not only is it relatively convenient to travel from Asia, but this year's Los Angeles Olympics (LA28) also upholds the spirit of "giving everyone in the world the opportunity to watch the Olympics live," offering general admission tickets starting from as low as US$28 (approximately NT$$868). You don't have to worry about exorbitant prices, and it's not entirely dependent on how fast you can grab a ticket.
If you're hoping to travel to Los Angeles in the summer of 2028 to cheer on the athletes, experience world-class sporting events, and take a side trip to the American West, here's how to register and purchase Los Angeles Olympic tickets, as well as key points for pre-trip preparations such as airfare, accommodation, and car rental.
How to buy Los Angeles Olympics tickets? Completing the official registration first is the most important thing, as it's done on January 14th.
Image source: Los Angeles Olympics LA28 official website homepage
This year's Olympic tickets will no longer be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, but will instead be issued through a pre-registration system and a lottery system for selecting ticket time slots. Spectators must arrive at [location missing] on January 14th (local time). 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (LA28) Official WebsiteAfter completing the registration, the system will randomly assign you a time slot for purchasing tickets. If you are eligible, you will receive an email notification, and then you can enter the ticketing system at the designated time to select the ticket type and price.
The official ticket purchase process is as follows:
- Registration period: Open from January 14, 2026 to March 18, 2026. Visitors must complete registration and create a personal profile during this period to be eligible to participate in the ticket lottery.
- Ticket lottery: Between March 31 and April 7, the system will randomly allocate time slots for ticket purchase to registered users.
- Ticket purchase period: April 2nd, LA/OKC locals have priority to purchase tickets; April 9th, those who have registered and won the lottery can start purchasing tickets during the designated ticket release period. Users with eligibility for that period can purchase tickets during the designated period.
- Tickets Released: Official tickets are now available for purchase by users who have been granted access to the corresponding time slots.
Friendly reminder: Currently, the LA28 website is only available in English and Spanish; there is no Chinese version. It is recommended to use your official English name, which matches your passport, when registering. Additionally, during this period, there may be fake or fraudulent websites; please ensure the website address is the official website.https://la28.org/ The
In addition to registering for general tickets, the Los Angeles Olympics also offered another type of ticket. VIP PackageThe hospitality tickets option currently allows you to pay a deposit of US$1,000 or US$10,000 to gain priority access to purchase tickets for designated matches in the future. Benefits include access to the venue's VIP lounge, priority selection of match times and seats, and even accommodation and exclusive experiences, making it suitable for travelers who want a complete viewing experience.
Image source: VIP Package Official Website (https://hospitality.la28.org/
Three crucial pre-departure preparations for participating in the Los Angeles Olympics
- Flight planning: Book your flights early to avoid the Olympic peak.
Currently, there are various flight options from Taiwan (Taoyuan Airport) to Los Angeles, including China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines, with three to five direct flights daily. Connecting flights are also available with Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. Round-trip economy class tickets are approximately NT$22,000 to NT$40,000 per $ flight. However, if you are certain you will be traveling during the Olympics and the summer peak season, ticket prices may increase by NT$201 to NT$401. It is recommended to start monitoring and comparing prices at least one year in advance.
- Accommodation arrangements: Beyond price, factors like location and safety must also be considered.
During the Olympics, Los Angeles will be flooded with athletes, spectators, and staff from all over the world, leading to extremely high demand for accommodation. Based on past Olympic experience, accommodation prices may increase two to four times, with the LA Times estimating an average price of around US$$200 per night. To avoid the situation of being unable to find accommodation even with money, or only being able to choose very poor accommodation, it is strongly recommended to book accommodation about a year in advance if you have already confirmed your attendance at the events. Prioritize hotels/Airbnbs that offer free cancellation and refunds to maintain flexibility in your itinerary.
Note: This image is based on... LA28 Venue AnnouncementBased on this information, some of the marked locations may be new names or temporary competition venues for the Los Angeles Olympics, and may differ from the existing names. Two other venues are located in Oklahoma, and one competition venue is located in San Clemente, to the south.
Since the Olympic venues are spread throughout the greater Los Angeles area, accommodation doesn't necessarily have to be located in the city center or near the venues. Consider factors such as ease of transportation, location, and safety, such as the following areas:
- Santa Monica/West Los Angeles: Fully functional living environment
- Pasadena: The area surrounding some event venues has a simple and safe urban atmosphere.
- El Segundo/Torrance: Close to the airport, suitable for travelers renting cars, with several venues located on Long Beach, southeast of Torrance.
- Burbenk-Glendale: A city to the north, very safe, and easy to drive in and out of the city.
- Alternatively, you could choose to stay near a station that was newly built specifically for the Olympics (the best option if you don't have a car).
Extended Reading:Los Angeles Area Safety Overview and Driving Safety Guide
- Booking a car rental: In Los Angeles, not having a car is like not having legs.
In response to the upcoming Olympics, the mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass The "1000-Day Plan" has been launched to actively improve the public transportation system, adding bus and rail services to facilitate spectators' travel to and from the venues. If you are only traveling between the city and the venues, public transportation is indeed an option; however, if you are staying in a more distant place, need to travel between multiple venues, or hope to visit attractions in the American West while watching the games, driving is still the most flexible and efficient way.
Most car rental companies offer free cancellation options. It is recommended to book immediately after confirming your flight and accommodation to avoid price increases or even being unable to rent a car due to limited availability closer to the Olympics.
Advantages of choosing Sky Horse car rental:
- Our service is entirely in Chinese, so you don't need to worry about misunderstandings due to language barriers.
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
- Live LINE service, instant assistance for any problems encountered during your trip.
- The procedures are simple, and you can choose your own delivery location. After collecting your luggage, you can directly pick up the vehicle at the airport terminal.
Extended Reading:Los Angeles Car Rental Tips
Besides watching the Olympics, what else can you do in Los Angeles?
If it's your first time visiting the American West or Los Angeles, there are plenty of itinerary options!DisneylandUniversal Studios California offers endless fun, perfect for the whole family; Santa Monica and Venice Beach boast authentic California beach charm, where playing in the water, strolling along the coast, and watching the Pacific sunset feel like stepping into a movie or TV show. Hollywood and the Walk of Fame are symbols of global film culture, from street scenes to film studios, classic attractions that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.
In addition, you can venture out of the city to shop at outlet malls, visit Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park (be aware of the extremely high temperatures in summer); or drive north along the coastline to experience...The magnificent coastal scenery of Highway 1It can extend further toLas VegasExperience the city that never sleeps, take a strollThe ultimate road trip to Antelope Canyon and the Grand CanyonExplore five of the world's most spectacular sights and add a unique touch to your Los Angeles Olympic trip.
Extended Reading:10 Must-Visit Attractions in Los Angeles
Make the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics an unforgettable experience.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics not only boasts a convenient location, lowering the barrier to entry for Taiwanese travelers, but also offers attractive ticket prices, language barriers, and a sense of familiarity, making it a viable travel option. Many who have attended the Olympics in person consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but early preparation is crucial. If you're lucky enough to get tickets, remember to start planning your flights, accommodations, and budget simultaneously, incorporating transportation into your overall considerations to ensure a flexible and comfortable pace for both your viewing and travel.
One last reminder: complete your Olympic ticket registration on January 14th. See you in Los Angeles 2028!
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
- How long after registering for LA28 Los Angeles Olympics tickets will I receive a notification?
Currently, the official announcement only covers the registration period, without announcing the notification or lottery time, but the ticket purchase period is expected to be in 2026.
- When is the LA28 Olympics scheduled to take place?
The schedule is set for July 14 to July 30, 2028. Please refer to the official website announcement for the final confirmed dates.
- Where is a safe and easily accessible place to stay while watching the Olympics?
Since the Olympic venues are spread throughout the greater Los Angeles area, accommodation doesn't necessarily have to be located in the city center or near the venues. Consider factors such as ease of transportation, location, and safety. The following areas are all considered very safe accommodation options:
Santa Monica/West Los Angeles: Fully functional living environment
Pasadena: The area surrounding some event venues has a simple and safe urban atmosphere.
El Segundo/Torrance: Close to the airport, suitable for travelers renting cars, with several venues located on Long Beach, southeast of Torrance.
Burbenk-Glendale: A city to the north, very safe, and easy to drive in and out of the city.
Alternatively, you could consider areas near stations newly built specifically for the Olympics (the best option for those not driving).
- Will car rentals in Los Angeles be more expensive during the Olympics? How far in advance should I book?
During the Olympics, demand for car rentals in Los Angeles surges, with prices typically increasing by 201 Tb/3 to 501 Tb/3 compared to peak season. The closer to the event date, the fewer cars are available and the higher the price. It is recommended to book your rental car as early as possible after confirming your flight and accommodation, as there may be limited car options or even no cars available. Rental companies usually offer a "free cancellation" policy.
It's important to note that American car rental companies typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so even if you book online, the car you want may not be available on-site.
- Will the car pickup process at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) take a long time?
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) does not have car rental counters inside the terminal. Most major car rental companies are located at the "LAX Rental Car Center" outside the airport. After collecting their luggage, passengers need to go to the pick-up and drop-off area outside the terminal to take the shuttle bus provided by each car rental company.
The drive from different terminals to the car rental center takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After completing the registration and insurance procedures at the car rental center counter, you can go to the parking lot to pick up your car. It is best to allow one to two hours for this process.
Choosing Sky Horse car rental means you don't need to go to the rental center. After collecting your luggage, you can return the car directly to a staff member outside the terminal, saving you a lot of time and energy. You don't have to carry the whole group of luggage around, and you don't have to pay any airport surcharges.
- Do I need to rent a car to take my child to the Olympics? What should I do with the child seat?
With the Olympics approaching, Los Angeles is actively developing its public transportation system, so renting a car isn't always necessary if your primary purpose is to watch the Games. However, renting a car will increase the flexibility and ease of your trip, saving you time waiting for buses or walking to stations, which will be much easier for families with children who need strollers. Besides watching the Olympic Games, renting a car also allows you to freely explore California's natural scenery by car.
The United States strictly mandates the use of child car seats in vehicles. Children under two years old must use rear-facing infant car seats, while children over two but under eight years old must use regular child safety seats or booster seats. These can be rented from car rental companies or you can bring your own travel car seats. Rental fees from most car rental companies are around US$$13-14 per day. Sky Horse offers child car seats suitable for different ages for US$$11.99 per day, with a maximum charge of US$$72 (per set).
Some people choose to buy the affordable model after arriving in the United States, but they need to consider the time gap between getting to the store or accommodation by car from the airport.
