Riding the Rails to the Fair: A Better Way to Visit the L.A. County Fair

This past Saturday, we decided to spend the day at the Los Angeles County Fair. Like many people, we have gone before and dealt with the usual hassles—traffic, crowded parking lots, long walks to the entrance, and expensive parking fees. General parking at the fairgrounds costs $25, and even then, depending on where you park, you can end up hiking across what feels like half of Pomona before reaching the gate. Preferred parking at the Sheraton is closer and more convenient, but that jumps the price to $40.

This time, however, we decided to try something different, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day.

We parked at the A Line station parking lot in San Dimas. Currently, weekend parking there is free, though I do not know if that policy will continue permanently. From there, we took the train to the La Verne/Fairplex Station. The ride itself was only a single stop and took just a few minutes, making it surprisingly easy and convenient.

It was also one of those perfect Southern California fair days: cool, overcast, and comfortable. Honestly, it was probably the best kind of weather for spending hours walking around the fairgrounds without the usual heat and exhaustion.

Once we arrived at the station, the next step could not have been easier. Right in the station’s roundabout area, Foothill Transit’s Route 67 bus was waiting. The Route 67 line is dedicated specifically to serving the fair, and there were clear signs posted explaining the pickup frequency and operating times. Even near the Red Gate drop-off area at the fairgrounds, temporary signs helped direct passengers where to wait for the return trip.

The bus ride itself was quick and direct. It simply picked up passengers at the station and transported them straight to the Fairplex Red Gate entrance near the Sheraton without making additional stops.

That convenience alone made the trip worthwhile.

We had already purchased our fair tickets online and stored them on our phones. When we arrived at the Red Gate, we scanned our tickets and walked straight in with virtually no waiting. The walk from the bus drop-off point to the gate itself was short and easy.

By taking the train and bus, we saved a little money and probably only a small amount of time overall, but what we really avoided was a great deal of potential frustration. There was no stress about navigating crowded parking lots, no long walk back to the car at the end of the night, and no sitting impatiently in traffic trying to leave the fairgrounds. Instead, the train and bus became part of the Saturday afternoon adventure itself.

Inside the fair, we spent the day exploring the exhibit halls, admiring contest entries, viewing award-winning crafts and home goods, and simply enjoying the atmosphere. The fair always offers something interesting around every corner. But the highlight of the day was easily the blacksmith demonstration.

We sat comfortably watching the blacksmith work metal in the traditional way—heating, hammering, shaping, and explaining the craft as they worked. In a world dominated by technology and automation, there was something fascinating about watching a centuries-old skill performed live. It was authentic, educational, and surprisingly captivating. We ended up staying there for nearly forty-five minutes just taking it all in.

Afterward, we wandered through the entertainment areas, sampled classic fair food, and continued enjoying the sights and sounds that make the L.A. County Fair such a unique experience.

When we were ready to leave, the return trip proved just as easy. The Route 67 bus arrived within about ten minutes and quickly transported us back to the train station. We had just missed a departing train, so we waited for the next one, but even that delay was minor.

One thing we noticed on the ride back was how many other fairgoers were also using the train. Normally, stations like San Dimas, Glendora, and La Verne are not especially crowded, but this time there were plenty of riders returning from the fair. Many likely came from communities much farther away, which speaks to how practical this transportation option has become.

Overall, the experience was smooth, affordable, and stress-free. Between the train and Foothill Transit Route 67, getting to the fair was easier than driving ourselves. We saved some money, avoided a great deal of aggravation, reduced wear and tear on the car, and added a little extra adventure to the day.

For anyone planning a trip to the Los Angeles County Fair, I strongly recommend considering the train and Foothill Transit Route 67. Sometimes the best part of an outing is discovering a smarter—and more enjoyable—way to get there.