Getting Here

There are many ways to get to Griffith Observatory! The easiest and fastest way is via public transportation. You can also hike, bike, take a shared ride vehicle, or walk up from parking elsewhere in the park. For parking near the Observatory and on Western Canyon Road the summer period cost is $8.00 per hour from July 18 to September 3. After September 3, the rate will be $6.00 per hour. See parking map below. Roads leading up to the Observatory get very congested at busy times (weekends, evenings, holidays, spring break, summer), and parking near the Observatory is very limited. Vehicles may approach the Observatory via the Vermont or Fern Dell entrances to Griffith Park (see map below). Please note that access via Fern Dell closes each evening at sunset.

Public Transportation - Avoid the Hassle, Take the Bus!

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) operates daily low cost DASH Observatory public bus service from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station to the Observatory (see map at right). DASH Observatory service operates during the following times.

Monday* – Friday	12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday	10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
*The bus runs on Mondays, even though the Observatory building is closed.

The bus stops in front of the Observatory along the horseshoe driveway every 20-25 minutes. There are also stops at Mt. Hollywood Drive (for access to Griffith Park hiking trails), at the Greek Theatre, and along Hillhurst Avenue in Los Feliz Village. The cost is 50 cents, but only 35 cents with a Metro TAP card. Seniors and persons with disabilities pay 25 cents. Small children (4 years and under) and LADOT or Metrolink pass holders ride for free. Buses require exact change; drivers are not able to make or provide change. There is NO parking in, around, or near the Vermont/Sunset Metro station.

NOTE: DASH Observatory buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp.

DASH Observatory WILL run on evenings when there are concerts at the Greek Theatre. However, it is possible buses may be delayed because of traffic congestion. Also, on concert nights there will be parking restrictions in and around the Greek Theatre. In planning your visit, you may want to check the Greek Theatre schedule.

Hiking and Biking

Those hiking to the Observatory are encouraged to take one of the hiking trails which originate near the Greek Theatre or Fern Dell. There is public parking near all trailheads. Check Griffith Park hiking maps for more information.

Those cycling to the Observatory must use paved park roads (not the park trails or fire roads) and may park and bike from public spaces around the park. The Observatory has several bike racks. (NOTE: You can no longer bike up East Observatory Road. That road is now one way down. You must take West Observatory Road to get to the Observatory.)

Taxis and Shared Ride Services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Visitors are welcome to arrive via taxi, limo, airport shuttle, and shared ride service. Immediate pickup and drop-off for such vehicles is in the red area shown on the map below, just past the Observatory horseshoe driveway in front of the lawn.
NO such vehicles may park at the Observatory, at any time.

NOTE: Griffith Park inbound gates close each evening at 10:00 p.m., so if you are being picked up by a taxi, shared ride vehicle, or friend, please make sure they enter Griffith Park before 10:00 p.m.

Park and Walk

If you are able to walk up to a mile up hill, you can park for free in the area around the Greek Theatre (see map above).
NOTE: Parking in the Greek Theatre area is NOT available after 1:00 p.m. on concert evenings. Check the Greek Theatre concert schedule before you visit.

Paid Parking Near the Observatory

The Observatory's public parking lot, public parking on West Observatory Road, and public parking on Westen Canyon (starting August 7) (see map above) require payment during the following times.

Monday – Friday	12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. (NOTE: The Observatory building is closed on Monday).
Saturday – Sunday	10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The summer period cost is $8.00 per hour from July 18 to September 3. After September 3, the rate will be $6.00 per hour. There is no time limit. Pay stations accept only credit cards. Once parked, go to the pay stations in the lot and along West Observatory Road and Western Canyon Road and follow the instructions on the pay station. Once you have paid, take your receipt back to your car and place it on the dashboard. If you park without paying and displaying the receipt your vehicle will receive a parking citation.

Parking near the Observatory is limited. The busiest times are evenings, weekends, summer, spring break, and holidays.

Disabled Access

The Observatory has designated disabled parking spaces in the south part of the Observatory parking lot for those with official plates and/or placards. These spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. If all spaces are full, you can park at the Greek Theatre and take the bus. DASH Observatory buses are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp. Disabled access shuttles coming to the Observatory will be passed through even when the road is closed and will drop off at the horseshoe driveway in front of the building. Such shuttles may not park at the Observatory.

Groups and Tour Buses

NO RESERVATION NEEDED: Groups are encouraged to visit the Observatory, whether via school buses, private charter buses, or tour buses. Groups do not need to make any kind of reservation to visit the Observatory or notify the Observatory in advance of their visit.

NO BUS OR SHUTTLE PARKING: Groups in buses coming to the Observatory will be passed through (even when the road is closed) and must drop off at the designated area near the building. NO buses may park or wait at the Observatory at any time. Buses must leave after dropping off passengers and return when they are ready to pick up visitors; there simply is not room at the Observatory for safe parking. There is generally parking available around the Greek Theatre, though this is not guaranteed.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS: We welcome and encourage school and camp groups to visit during public hours of operation. While we are not able to provide tour guides for group tours, our knowledgeable and experienced Museum Guides are located around the building to help make your visit successful.

CHAPERONE RESPONSIBILITIES: Groups with children must have sufficient adult chaperones (1 adult for every 10 children) who must stay with the children at all times. Chaperones must ensure the safety of all children by prohibiting horseplay, running, climbing on exhibits, or other disruptive activity. Chaperones must ensure children do not bring food, drinks, or gum into the building.

BUYING SAMUEL OSCHIN PLANETARIUM SHOW TICKETS: See the guidelines. We are not able to make ticket reservations in advance. We strongly recommend purchasing tickets only for group members who have already arrived, as there can be no refunds, exchanges, or late seating.