And that’s just a few of the attendees at AX! Photo via Anime Expo Facebook

This year, Anime Expo and the X Games – both events that bring thousands to downtown Los Angeles – overlap for three days. Anime Expo takes place June 29 to July 2 at the L.A. Convention Center and the X Games take place June 29 to July 1 at L.A. LIVE and Staples Center. This means there will be tons of cosplayers, skaters, bikers and fans of all ages converging in downtown this upcoming weekend, not to mention street closures around the L.A. LIVE area to accomodate the outdoor ramps and bleachers.

Grab some big air right next door to AX. Photo via X Games Facebook.

To avoid traffic and parking frustration, why not take public transportation to both events? Plus, if you go Metro to the X Games you can pick up a free tote bag from the NAVY booth.

• The new Expo Line runs from Culver City to 7th/Metro Center at the intersection of Figueroa and 7th streets, with a stop at Pico — two short blocks from the L.A. Convention Center, L.A. LIVE and Staples Center. There is free parking available at the Metro garage at La Cienega/Jefferson, Crenshaw station and at the Culver City Station, as well as many paid parking options at Exposition Park.

• The Red Line subway runs from North Hollywood to Union Station. There is free parking at the North Hollywood Station, Universal City Station and numerous paid parking lots around stations in Hollywood. There is also paid parking at Union Station — it’s $6 for the day.

• The Orange Line busway connects to the Red Line at North Hollywood Station and has free parking in several lots. On June 30, the extension opens all the way to Chatsworth and connects from there to both Metrolink and Amtrak.

• The Blue Line runs between downtown Long Beach and 7th/Metro Center at 7th and Figueroa, with a stop at Pico Station. There are free parking lots along the route, as well as paid parking in downtown Long Beach.

• The Green Line runs between Redondo Beach and Norwalk and offers transfers to the Blue Line. There is also free parking at several lots at stations along the line.

• The Gold Line runs to Union Station from both Pasadena and East Los Angeles. There are several free parking lots or garages along the route, as well as street parking and paid parking in downtown Pasadena. 

• Metrolink and Amtrak trains serve Union Station, with connections to the Red/Purple Line subway to reach the Staples Center and L.A. LIVE. Metrolink has service on the Antelope Valley, San Bernardino, Inland Empire-Orange County and Orange County lines on weekends.

A single ride on Metro Rail is $1.50; tickets are available at ticket vending machines at all rail stations. If you need to transfer, the best choice is a day pass for $5, also available at all ticket vending machines. Fares can also be stored on electronic TAP cards, which cost $2 and are available at all ticket machines.

On the go and need rail and bus arrival/departure times from your current location? Try Metro’s new app for smartphones. Android version and iPhone version