Traffic and parking info needed for Los Angeles Convention Center (Santa Clarita: transfer to, buy)

[TimC2462]

I will be traveling over from the Grapevine on I-5 to attend an event at the Los Angeles Convention Center scheduled to commence on March 15th at 10:00 am.

According to Google Map, I'm to continue southbound on I-5, then take the CA-110 S Pasadena Freeway towards Los Angeles.

Question 1: How is traffic between 7 am and 9 am? I plan on being there at 9:00 at allow ample time to find parking. I need to know at what time I need to be in the Santa Clarita area to be at the convention by 9 am.

Question 2: Any recommendations for public parking that is within walking distance to the convention center?

[BRinSM]

there is a parking structure at the convention you can use, i believe you access it from Pico Blvd. As for traffic, it is going to be terrible all the way from the santa clarita valley into downtown LA. you'll be stuck in rush hour traffic the entire way. you may consider using the metrolink train which i believe has a station in saugus.

[TimC2462]

How terrible? Maybe I should be in the Santa Clarita area around 7 am just be on the safe side?

I usually take the 405 for my other trips to LA, but have not gone all the way down via I-5 in years. I remember crawling along the freeway for almost 1.5 hours just to get to my doctor's appointment. I *hate* LA traffic.

[UB50]

I'd take Metrolink too. That would take you into Union Station (downtown LA) and from there, you can just ask directions to the Convention Center (by DASH bus most likely).

[JohnG72]

Originally Posted by TimC2462

How terrible? Maybe I should be in the Santa Clarita area around 7 am just be on the safe side?

I usually take the 405 for my other trips to LA, but have not gone all the way down via I-5 in years. I remember crawling along the freeway for almost 1.5 hours just to get to my doctor's appointment. I *hate* LA traffic.

Yes.

For parking, there are public lots everywhere.

There are expensive lots near the convention center and less expensive ones further out.

I'm honestly NOT sure of parking costs for daytime events near the convention center and its entirely possibly that there are ones that are close and are $5-10. So take my advice here with a grain of salt. During evening events those lots are $25, but I am NOT sure about day time.

There are lots near 8th/Fig that are $5 or $6 for all day. To get to these, take the 110 south and exit at 9th street going east. After you go under the freeway, move to the left lane when you can, and turn left on Fig. Stay in the left lane(9th and Fig are both one way) and turn left right away on the little side street there. No signal and its a bit tough to see. Go to the end of that street, theres about 3 lots there. Use the cheapest one. 4 block walk to the convention center.

OR....take 9th to Hope St. Turn left on Hope. DO NOT USE THE RALPHS LOT!!!!!! Go to the next covered lot. Turn left into it. Should be $6 for the day. Also a lot there on the corner of 8th/Hope. Should be $5 or so. That area is about 4 block walk to convention center also.

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by TimC2462

How terrible? Maybe I should be in the Santa Clarita area around 7 am just be on the safe side?

7am isn't even the beginning of rush hour from santa clarita. you'd need to be on the road closer to 6 through santa clarita to avoid the worst of the traffic. good luck!

[Jarkatmu]

If you really want to avoid the driving/parking issues, why don't you take Metrolink? Park at the Newhall Station which is pretty close to I5. There's a train that leaves at 7:59 which will get you to union station at 8:52. Most of the riders on Metrolink are long distance commuters and are very quiet so you can get some rest on the way into downtown and Union Station.

From Union Station, transfer to the Metro Red Line subway and transfer again at 7th Street/ Metro Center to the Blue Line. Get off at the next stop at Pico and the convention center is across the street. The connections are pretty easy and it will probably take 15 mins or so to get from Union Station to the Convention Center.

One thing. When you buy your Metrolink ticket, make sure to get the "round trip ticket" which covers your transfers to the Red and Blue lines as well as your travel in both directions on Metrolink. It's $17. Just buy the ticket at the vending machine on the platform, and hold onto it for all your trips as proof of payment.

It's really pretty easy.

Here's the schedule for the Metrolink line that runs out to the Santa Clarita Valley.

Metrolink :: Antelope Valley Line (Mon-Fri)

[TimC2462]

Originally Posted by Jarkatmu

If you really want to avoid the driving/parking issues, why don't you take Metrolink? Park at the Newhall Station which is pretty close to I5. There's a train that leaves at 7:59 which will get you to union station at 8:52. Most of the riders on Metrolink are long distance commuters and are very quiet so you can get some rest on the way into downtown and Union Station.

From Union Station, transfer to the Metro Red Line subway and transfer again at 7th Street/ Metro Center to the Blue Line. Get off at the next stop at Pico and the convention center is across the street. The connections are pretty easy and it will probably take 15 mins or so to get from Union Station to the Convention Center.

One thing. When you buy your Metrolink ticket, make sure to get the "round trip ticket" which covers your transfers to the Red and Blue lines as well as your travel in both directions on Metrolink. It's $17. Just buy the ticket at the vending machine on the platform, and hold onto it for all your trips as proof of payment.

It's really pretty easy.

Here's the schedule for the Metrolink line that runs out to the Santa Clarita Valley.

Metrolink :: Antelope Valley Line (Mon-Fri)

Thanks. I really appreciate the detailed information on how to get there. It sounds like taking the Metrolink from Santa Clarita is the way to go.

To everyone else, I appreciate your help!

[DowntownVentura]

Originally Posted by TimC2462

Thanks. I really appreciate the detailed information on how to get there. It sounds like taking the Metrolink from Santa Clarita is the way to go.

To everyone else, I appreciate your help!

I agree with the train directions provided by jarkatmu but at the 7th and Flower station, I would just walk south on Figueroa to the Convention Station.