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Additional ways to make more sustainable choices and cut emissions during your conference experience can be found on our Climate Action at ASLA 2026 page.
LA is served by five major airports. Los Angeles International (LAX) offers the most nonstop routes and now has direct Metro rail access to downtown via the new LAX/Metro Transit Center (opened June 2025). Hollywood Burbank (BUR) is a lower-stress option for West Coast travelers.
LAX — Los Angeles International
The West Coast's largest airport. Served by most major airlines with nonstop routes from across the US and internationally. The new LAX/Metro Transit Center gives direct rail access to downtown for $1.75.
Best for most travelersBUR — Hollywood Burbank
Smaller, faster to navigate. Metro B and G Lines connect directly to Union Station and downtown. Often cheaper for West Coast flights. No bag fees on Southwest.
Often cheaper ✓LGB — Long Beach Airport
Southwest hub with no bag fees. Metro A Line connects Long Beach Transit to downtown LA. Adds about 60–75 minutes transit time to the Convention Center.
Budget-friendlyONT / SNA
Ontario International (ONT) and John Wayne/Orange County (SNA) are 30–45 miles from downtown. Good if you have a nonstop from your home city; plan for rideshare or rental car.
IE & OC travelersPro Tip — Skip the Rideshare Surge from LAX
Take the free Metro Connector Shuttle from any terminal to the new LAX/Metro Transit Center, then board the C or K Line → E Line → Pico Station—directly across the street from the Convention Center. Total cost: $1.75. Or ride the FlyAway Bus nonstop to Union Station every 30 minutes for $12.75.
LAX to the Convention Center — Cost & Carbon Comparison
| Option | Approx. Cost | Approx. Time | Carbon Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Rail (C/K + E Lines) | $1.75 TAP card | 50–65 min | Lowest ✓ |
| FlyAway Bus + Metro | ~$14.50 | 55–75 min | Low ✓ |
| Taxi | $55–$75 | 30–60 min* | Moderate |
| Uber / Lyft | $35–$80+ | 30–60 min* | Moderate |
| Rental Car + Parking | $50–$150/day + $27–42 parking | Variable (traffic) | Highest ✗ |
*Traffic on I-405 and I-110 can extend drive times significantly. Metro Rail is time-predictable.
Train travel produces a fraction of the emissions of flying and is one of the most relaxing ways to reach LA. All Amtrak trains arrive at Los Angeles Union Station—a stunning Art Deco landmark. From Union Station, Metro Rail connects directly to the Convention Center area.
Pacific Surfliner
13 daily round trips between LA and San Diego, with service north to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. Spectacular California coastline views—one of America's most scenic regional rail routes.
Low-emissions ✓Coast Starlight
Daily service Seattle → LA via the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Oregon. One of America's most scenic long-haul routes, with a sightseer lounge car for views of the Pacific and Cascade Range.
Low-emissions ✓Southwest Chief
Daily service Chicago → LA through Albuquerque and Flagstaff (~40 hours). A classic cross-country journey. Book a sleeper roomette for overnight segments. Bikes accepted.
Low-emissions ✓Sunset Limited
Tri-weekly service New Orleans → LA via San Antonio and Tucson. Great for attendees coming from the ASLA 2025 New Orleans conference region. A true American rail adventure.
Low-emissions ✓Metrolink + FlyAway Tip
Traveling from the greater LA region? Metrolink commuter rail from Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange County connects to Union Station with free Metro transfers. Metrolink Monthly Pass holders can board the Union Station FlyAway bus to/from LAX at no extra charge with a valid boarding pass for that day.
Intercity buses are one of the most affordable and lower-emission ways to reach Los Angeles from nearby cities. All major services arrive near Los Angeles Union Station, where Metro Rail connects to the Convention Center.
ASLA Conference Carpool is back!
Thank you for caravanning to this year's conference and helping ASLA achieve its sustainability goals. Below you'll find a link to the carpool map which includes universities within a 13-hour drive radius from the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Find which route your school belongs to and explore its sightseeing destinations as well as the other universities you'll connect with along the way! If you have any questions or would like to connect with other students along your route, please reach out to your Student Chapter Presidents so they can help coordinate via SCP Basecamp.
Be sure to capture your memories during your journey on Instagram and share with everyone by tagging @NationalASLA and using #ASLA2026
ASLA Conference Hotel Blocks
ASLA has partnered with hotels to secure discounted room rates for conference attendees. All contracted hotels are within a 5–10 minute walk of the Los Angeles Convention Center—no shuttle needed between your hotel and sessions.
Note: Pico Blvd between Figueroa St. and LA Live Way is closed through early 2028 as part of the LACC Expansion & Modernization Project. Follow posted signage for pedestrian and vehicle detours.
Check out more tips at Discover Los Angeles →