Westwood/Ucla Station

Westwood UCLA Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions Guide – Los Angeles

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Westwood/UCLA Station, set to open in 2027, is poised to become a transformative transit gateway on Los Angeles’ Westside. Its strategic location will connect commuters, students, and visitors to UCLA, historic Westwood Village, and a host of cultural destinations. This detailed guide offers an in-depth look at the station’s history, construction milestones, visitor information, accessibility features, and the best attractions in the vicinity. Whether you’re planning your daily commute, a campus visit, or a day exploring Los Angeles, you’ll find comprehensive resources here to make your trip seamless and rewarding (Wikipedia: D Line Extension; UCLA Newsroom).

Historical Context and Project Significance

Early Transit Ambitions

The vision for a subway along Wilshire Boulevard dates back to the 1960s, rooted in the city’s early electric streetcar systems and the Pacific Electric Railway. As Los Angeles’ car culture grew and the streetcar network declined, urban planners recognized the urgent need for mass transit along this key corridor. Their efforts laid the groundwork for the D Line Extension, designed to reconnect neighborhoods and alleviate congestion (Wikipedia: D Line Extension; UCLA Newsroom).

Advocacy and Planning

Momentum grew in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as stakeholders like UCLA, local governments, and medical centers advocated for a Westwood extension. The passage of Measure M in 2016 secured necessary funding, enabling the Los Angeles Metro Board to approve studies and move the project forward. The D Line (formerly Purple Line) extension now reflects decades of advocacy for regional connectivity (Wikipedia: D Line Extension; UCLA Newsroom).

Construction Milestones

Section 3 of the D Line Extension, which includes the Westwood/UCLA Station, began construction in 2021. By mid-2024, tunneling was completed, marking a crucial milestone in this $3.67 billion phase. The project has overcome challenges such as seismic zones, dense urban neighborhoods, and complex coordination with local stakeholders (LA Business Journal; Construction Review Online).

Station Features and Visitor Information

Location and Access

The Westwood/UCLA Station sits beneath Wilshire Boulevard, between Veteran Avenue and Westwood Boulevard, providing direct access to UCLA, Westwood Village, and the VA Medical Center. Entrances are strategically placed for pedestrian convenience and multimodal integration, including bus stops and bicycle infrastructure (Daily Bruin).

Visiting Hours

The station will operate in alignment with Metro’s heavy rail system, generally from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Hours may be adjusted for special events or holidays; always check Metro’s official schedule before visiting.

Ticketing and Fares

Metro uses the TAP card system for fare payment. TAP cards are available at station vending machines and online, with options for single rides ($1.75), day passes, and reduced fares for seniors, students, and disabled riders. UCLA affiliates may access discounted U-Pass programs. For details, visit the Metro TAP page.

Accessibility

Westwood/UCLA Station is fully ADA-compliant, offering elevators, ramps, tactile paving, audible announcements, and wide fare gates. Station staff are available to provide assistance. The design prioritizes inclusive transit for all riders.

How to Get There

By Rail: Board the D Line (Purple) Extension, with Westwood/UCLA as the western terminus.
By Bus: Multiple Metro, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Culver CityBus lines serve the station. The UCLA BruinBus shuttle provides free campus connections (UCLA Transportation).
By Bike or Foot: Secure bike parking and pedestrian pathways link the station to surrounding neighborhoods.
From LAX: Use Culver CityBus Line 6/Rapid 6 to connect from the airport to Westwood.

Travel Tips

Arrive during off-peak hours for a smoother experience; midday weekdays are typically less crowded.
Use Metro’s trip planner for real-time route information and connections.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore nearby attractions on foot.
Consider using bike-share or e-scooter options for last-mile connections.

Attractions Near Westwood/UCLA Station

UCLA Campus

Home to iconic landmarks like Royce Hall, the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden, and the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, the UCLA campus is a must-see. Sports fans can visit Pauley Pavilion or the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame.

Westwood Village

Developed in the 1920s, Westwood Village features Mediterranean-style architecture, historic theaters (Fox and Bruin), diverse shopping, and vibrant dining. The area is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and cultural vibrancy (Westwood Community Plan).

Museums and Theaters

Hammer Museum: Free contemporary art exhibitions and public programs.
Fowler Museum: Focused on global arts and cultures.
Geffen Playhouse: Renowned for innovative theater productions.

Other Notable Sites

Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park: Final resting place of Hollywood legends.
Tehrangeles: Experience Persian culture with specialty shops and cuisine.
Nearby: The Getty Center, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach are accessible via transit.

Urban Impact and Future Connectivity

Westwood/UCLA Station is integral to Los Angeles’ sustainability and mobility goals, especially as the city prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games. The extension is expected to serve over 53,000 additional weekday riders, reducing regional traffic and supporting “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiatives (PGH Wong Engineering; UCLA Newsroom).

Future plans include integration with the Sepulveda Transit Corridor, a north-south rail line connecting the San Fernando Valley to the Westside (Sepulveda Transit Corridor). The station will also link to regional bus, bike, and pedestrian networks.

Construction and Engineering Highlights

Excavation depths reach up to 100 feet, with robust seismic safety measures.
Tunneling utilized advanced boring machines to minimize surface disruption (Tutor Perini).
Artistic installations, including mosaics by Yunhee Min, will enhance the station environment (Daily Bruin).

Accessibility and Last-Mile Options

ADA Compliance: Elevators, tactile guidance, and wide fare gates.
Bike Infrastructure: Secure parking and protected lanes planned (Westwood Connected).
Pedestrian Access: Improved crosswalks and clear signage connect the station to campus and the village.
Rideshare Zones: Designated areas for pickups and drop-offs, plus e-scooters and bike-share for flexible travel.

Special Events, Tours, and Cultural Insights

Metro may offer occasional public tours and art events at the station. UCLA and Westwood Village frequently host cultural festivals, film premieres, and guided walking tours. Check the UCLA Community Calendar and Metro’s social media for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Westwood/UCLA Station hours?
A: The station will typically operate from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily; check Metro’s schedule for updates.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Use a TAP card at station vending machines or online. UCLA affiliates may qualify for discounted passes (Metro TAP).

Q: Is the station ADA accessible?
A: Yes, the station is fully compliant with ADA standards.

Q: What are top attractions nearby?
A: UCLA campus, Westwood Village, Hammer Museum, Geffen Playhouse, and Memorial Park.

Q: Are there shuttles to campus?
A: Yes, UCLA BruinBus shuttles provide free campus connections.

Conclusion

The Westwood/UCLA Station signifies a new era for Los Angeles transit, combining historical ambition with advanced infrastructure and community-focused design. Whether you’re commuting, visiting UCLA, or exploring the cultural heart of the Westside, this station will offer seamless, sustainable, and inclusive travel. Download the Audiala app for real-time updates and exclusive guides, and explore more resources on our website to make the most of your Los Angeles experience.