How Much Does It Cost To Go To The Olympics?
Last Updated on January 16, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
As a pinnacle of athletic competition and global cooperation, the Olympics represents a dream trip for many sports fans and travelers. But between coveted event tickets, crowded lodging, and inflated travel costs, what does it really take to budget for experiencing the Olympics in person?
This comprehensive guide examines every expense involved in attending the Olympics. You’ll get insider tips to plan an affordable Olympic adventure, whether for Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028 or beyond. Let’s dive into the full scope of costs, savings secrets, and realistic budgets for making Olympic memories.
How Much Does It Cost To Go To The Olympics?
The minimum cost to go to the Olympics that include affordable tickets and lodging can start around $5,000, but total costs often range between $10,000 to $20,000 per person for a comprehensive Olympic experience including airfare, premium events, hotels, food, and extras over 1-2 weeks. The sky is truly the limit for luxury travelers seeking the highest-end Games packages and amenities.
The five biggest expenses for travelers attending the Olympics include:
- Event Tickets – This represents the single largest cost, with major event tickets ranging $200-$2,500+ per seat depending on the sport/round. Opening ceremony tickets can exceed $1,500 per person.
- Accommodations – With massive crowds, rooms near Olympic venues book up fast and rapidly surge in price, often exceeding $500/night for hotels. Alternatives like rentals help.
- Travel to the Host City – Flights, trains, buses, taxis and local transportation add up, especially for long-haul travels. Using points and budget carriers save money.
- Meals & Dining – While the host city offers tasty culinary discovery, eating out daily isn’t cheap. Groceries and budget meals offset costs.
- Extras & Hidden Fees – Souvenirs, travel insurance, data plans, excursions, and unexpected costs also factor in.
According to a report from NBC, ticket prices for the 2024 Paris Olympics range widely depending on the event. For example, a Section D ticket for the gymnastics qualification round is priced at around $26, while tickets for finals can go up to $109. The most expensive seats for high-demand events, like the Opening Ceremony, can reach nearly $3,000.
Another source, The Economic Times, reports that average ticket prices for events such as women’s artistic gymnastics range from $135 to $746. Additionally, tickets for high-profile events like the men’s 100-meter final are priced around $1,059, making them some of the most expensive passes available.
A detailed analysis from Stadium Journey indicates that tickets for Team USA basketball games average around $350, with prices for the Gold Medal game reaching up to $710. Women’s gymnastics events also command high prices, with qualifying rounds costing about $271 and finals around $421.
According to a report from Deseret News, round-trip airfare from major U.S. cities to Paris is estimated between $500 and $1,500. Furthermore, hotel prices during the Olympics are expected to be significantly inflated, contributing to an overall estimated cost of around $6,412 per person for a week-long visit.
Lastly, an article from The New York Times notes that while some tickets will be available for under €50 (approximately $53.50), premium events could cost as much as €980 (about $1,063.45). This wide range reflects the varying costs associated with different events and seating options.
Overview of Olympics Attendance
Many factors cause the total budget required for attending the Olympics to shift:
- Summer vs. Winter Games – The Winter Olympics tends to have lower demand and availability for more affordable tickets and lodging. Travel to the changing Winter host cities also fluctuates in cost year-to-year.
- Host city appeal – Popular tourist destinations like Paris or Tokyo see higher hotel/apartment rates compared to lesser-known hosts.
- Travel duration – The longer you stay, the higher your costs add up in lodging, food, activities, etc. Most aim for 5-10 days at the Games.
- Personal preferences – Luxury travelers will spend more on upgraded tickets, dining, and hotels versus budget Olympic-goers.
Regardless of the exact costs, planning ahead and being an informed travel shopper remains essential to making the trip achievable.
Ticket Pricing and Purchase Options
For most travelers, tickets represent the biggest chunk of Olympics spending. But ticket prices can swing wildly depending on these factors:
- Event/sport popularity – High demand Olympic sports like swimming, gymnastics or track and field carry far higher ticket prices than less mainstream events.
- Stage of competition – Tickets for finals routinely run 2-10x times higher than early qualifying rounds. The difference between primetime finals versus morning preliminaries is massive.
- Seating category – Better sightlines, proximity to athletes and perks like hospitality suites push tickets into the thousands of dollars range. Nosebleed seats cost much less.
Some examples illustrate the spectrum of potential ticket prices:
- Opening ceremony tickets can easily exceed $1,500 or more per seat, just for the honor of being in the stadium for the parade of nations and kickoff spectacle.
- Tickets to marquee events like swimming or gymnastics finals typically start at $300 per session for basic seating and exceed $2,000+ for premium views.
- Meanwhile, preliminary matches in less mainstream Olympic sports like team handball or archery can begin as low as $50 per session.
With supply extremely limited, most advise buying tickets directly via approved Olympic vendors up to a year in advance to get the best selection and pricing:
- Official Olympic ticket lottery – Fans can enter the ticket drawing and selection process to win access to purchase tickets packages, often requiring an upfront deposit.
- Authorized ticket resellers – Official ticket resale exchanges let fans safely purchase tickets from other holders unable to attend. Markups apply.
- Secondary markets – Use caution on secondary resale sites like StubHub which carry risk of fraud for hot events like the Olympics.
No matter which events you target, purchasing tickets early provides the best chance at affordable pricing.
Travel Costs to the Host City
After tickets, getting to the host city represents the next major expense:
Airfare to the Host City
Booking flights well in advance helps secure the most affordable rates. Strategies include:
- Booking 6-12 months pre-Olympics during initial sales windows
- Using flight miles and rewards points for free or discounted redemption flights
- Traveling on weekdays versus weekends for lower demand days
- Considering budget carriers like Norwegian or Level for discounts
- Flying into a neighboring hub city outside the host and taking ground transport
For long-haul flights to destinations like Asia or Australia, expect to budget $1,000 or more for economy airfare during peak Olympics dates from the US.
You might also like our articles about the cost of NFL Sunday tickets, World Series tickets, or Super Bowl tickets.
Local Ground Transportation
Once in the host city, getting around requires understanding options:
- Public transit – Most host cities offer visitor travel passes for unlimited metro, bus, and rail usage, costing approx. $50-$150 for weekly access depending on location.
- Taxis & rideshares – While convenient, relying solely on taxis and rides like Uber adds up quickly with regular venue transfers, easily exceeding $100 or more daily.
- Car rentals – Driving offers flexibility but requires parking fees and navigating traffic congestion around Olympic venues.
With a mix of transit methods, visitors can get around for under $100 in total for 2-week stays.
International Visas & Documents
Visitors traveling from overseas should research visa requirements:
- Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries like the EU, Japan, and Australia can enter the US visa-free during the LA 2028 or other future US-based Games.
- Spectator visas may impose extra requirements beyond standard tourist visas for some countries.
- Budget approximately $100 in processing fees for any required Olympic visitor or spectator visas.
Factoring in transportation costs early helps account for a big portion of the Olympics travel budget.
Lodging and Accommodation Costs
Securing lodging is paramount with massive demand concentrating during the 17 days of the Games. Here are primary options travelers consider for Olympics accommodations and their relative costs:
Hotels
Forget scoring bargain rates anywhere near the best Olympic sites and stadiums during the frenzy of the Games. With extreme demand, expect elevated pricing:
- 3–4-star hotels – $300+ nightly and up, with surcharges over $500/night common for rooms within a 15–20-minute proximity of premier Olympic locations.
- Budget hotels & hostels – Sparse availability under $150/night unless staying well outside Olympic hubs and committing to lengthy transit.
- Hotel packages – Bundles with event tickets offer convenience but jack up total costs.
With hotels capacity strained, alternatives merit consideration.
Rentals
Lodging alternatives through services like Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway can provide apartments and home rentals often more affordable than hotels, especially for groups.
- Entire apartments near Olympic venues roughly start around $200-$300 nightly for 2-3 bedrooms to accommodate groups splitting costs.
- Cancellation flexibility is lower than hotels, and minimum stays may be imposed.
Hostels
Backpacker-style dormitory hostel lodging presents a bare minimum option, with potential downsides:
- Shared room rates generally start around $60-$100 per night per bed during the Games.
- Very limited availability in prime hostel locations.
- Noisy, crowded dorms offer little privacy.
For visitors open to alternative venues and traveling on a budget, rentals, hostels and hotels in the greater metropolitan area can drastically cut lodging costs while keeping commute times reasonable.
Strategies for Booking Affordable Lodging
To secure the best rates, experts suggest:
- Book 1 year out – Sales open 12+ months pre-Games when more supply exists. Procrastinating risks sellouts.
- “Shop early and often” – Check rates periodically leading up to the Games in case of price drops or new room availability.
- Search beyond the host hub – Sites like Trivago allow filtering by distance to find lodging in perimeter areas at better rates.
- Consider home swapping – House swap services like LoveHomeSwap allow trading your home to stay in local spaces abroad.
- Rent extra space – Listing your own property on Airbnb during major events offsets costs.
With creative planning
Food, Drink and Dining Costs
Eating at the Games gets pricey for visitors:
Venue Concessions
Similar to stadiums, food and drinks inside Olympic sites carry premium pricing:
- $10-$15 for basic snacks like hot dogs, pizza slices or sandwiches
- $5-$8 for beverages including water, soda and beer
- $15-$25 for meals like bento boxes or mixed grill plates
Bringing a reusable bottle helps avoid repeat water purchases. But otherwise, getting by on venue concessions requires a willing budget.
Groceries & Markets
Grocery shopping can dramatically cut food costs:
- Supermarkets – Major chains like Aldi, Lidl or Walmart offer global familiarity.
- Farmers markets – Open-air markets provide fresh local produce.
- Costco, Sam’s Club – Bulk buys on staples offset dining out expenses.
Making quick breakfasts and packing snacks offsets venue prices.
Dining Out in the Host City
Sample authentic local flavors by:
- Researching top-rated but casual restaurants beyond tourist traps.
- Trying affordable street foods and food trucks.
- Splurging selectively on finer dining for exquisite culinary experiences.
With smart strategies, savoring the Olympics can satisfy both sports passions and foodie curiosities.
Additional Extras and Hidden Costs
Beyond basics like lodging and tickets, attendees require a budget for:
Olympic Souvenirs & Gear – It’s a tradition to bring home t-shirts, jerseys, pins, and official memorabilia. Budget $100+ for multiple souvenirs.
Travel Insurance – Protect against cancellations or interruptions by allocating 5-10% of trip costs for comprehensive policies.
Local Travel & Excursions – Tours, shows, and attractions around the host city add up quickly. Budget $500+ for activities.
Data & International Plans – Staying connected isn’t cheap for travelers, with premium costs for Global data.
Event Enhancements – Upgrades like hospitality passes or upgraded ceremonies access costs serious money.
Building in buffers for inevitable incidentals prevents unwanted surprises.
Expert Tips
To make Olympic experiences possible within limited budgets, experts recommend:
“For the best ticket prices, opt for sports that are popular locally but lack the same global appeal, like baseball for Japan in 2020.” – Anne Watson, Olympic Tickets Agent
“Don’t overlook outlying areas of the city that require longer commutes but offer lodging bargains substantially below Olympic hub rates.” – David Chang, Travel Consultant
“Splitting an Airbnb house rental with other traveling friends or family can dramatically cut accommodation costs when grouped together.” – Michael Johnson, Olympic Travel Blogger
“Using travel reward credit cards to earn points towards free flights and hotel nights over a year or two helps offset Olympics trip costs.” – Priya Patel, Points Maximizer Expert
With smart planning, attendance dreams don’t have to bust vacation budgets.
Recent and Upcoming Olympics
Each host city and year brings a unique economic climate. Here are sample past budgets and estimates:
Tokyo 2020 – Heavily restricted attendance reduced lodging demand but increased ticket scarcity, resulting in estimated trips costs of $8,000-$12,000.
Beijing 2022 – Strong local enthusiasm meant affordable tickets for international visitors. Lower area prices made overall budgets $5,000-$10,000+.
Paris 2024 – Major tourism appeal will likely drive lodging costs higher for summer events, around $10,000-$15,000+.
Milan-Cortina 2026 – Affordable access and proximity for European travelers could hold budgets closer to $7,000-$10,000.
Los Angeles 2028 – Popular travel destination could see demand and pricing match 2012 London levels around $15,000+.
These ranges illustrate the variety across Olympic Games worldwide.
Sample Budgets for the Olympics
Given the variables, what might an Olympics budget actually look like? Here are two sample scenarios:
1 Week Budget Solo Olympics Trip
- Flight: $1,200
- Lodging: $1,700 ($250 average nightly)
- Events Tickets: $2,500 (5 events at approx. $500 each)
- Meals: $500 ($70 daily)
- Transit Pass: $60
- Souvenirs: $200
- Total: $6,160
2 Week Family Trip (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
- Flights: $5,000
- Apartment Rental: $6,000 ($430 avg. nightly)
- Event Tickets: $9,000 ($500 per ticket x 18 events)
- Meals: $3,500 ($125 daily for family)
- Transit: $140
- Souvenirs: $1,000
- Total: $24,640
With good tips and realistic expectations, Olympics trips fit a span of budgets.
Final Words
While costs are significant, memories at the Olympic Games last forever:
- Focus spending on tickets, airfare and lodging – the biggest individual items.
- Use payment strategies like travel rewards to offset large upfront expenses over time.
- Book all necessities 6-12 months out when availability is best.
- Splurge selectively on extras you value most like ceremonies or team events.
Attending the Olympics makes for an unforgettable, bucket list adventure. For sports fans, the excitement justifies the required investment – especially when planned carefully.
Answers to Common Questions
How much money do you get for going to the Olympics?
The International Olympic Committee does not pay athletes directly for competing. However, many athletes receive funding support in these ways:
- National Olympic Committees provide training resources, coaching, facilities and stipends for top athletes in each country. Stipends may range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually.
- Individual sports federations offer funding programs and financial awards for qualifying for Olympic teams. For example, USA Swimming awards $15,000 for making the US team.
- Sponsors and endorsements give monetary compensation and performance bonuses written into contracts for big-name Olympians. Top athletes earn millions from brand sponsorships.
- Medal bonuses are provided by national Olympic committees and private organizations – up to $37,500 for gold medalists from the USOPC.
While Olympic glory itself is the ultimate achievement, many athletes rely on this funding support to offset training costs.
Do you have to pay for Olympic tickets?
Yes, tickets to attend Olympic events, ceremonies, and other sessions are only available for purchase – they are not free to the general public. Prices vary widely depending on factors like:
- Event popularity – High-demand sports have more expensive tickets
- Round type – Finals tickets exceed early qualifying rounds
- Seat location – Better views demand higher prices
In-demand events like the opening ceremony can cost $1,000+, while basic early-round tickets may start around $45. Tickets are sold via approved ticket vendors and official Olympic partners 1-2 years prior to the Games. Buying during presales ensures access before tickets sell out.
Some exceptions like volunteers receive event tickets, but nearly all fans must purchase tickets to attend Olympic competitions or ceremonies. Starting your budget early helps offset these mandatory costs.
How much does the Olympic ceremony cost?
The opening and closing ceremonies are the marquee events of the Olympics, commanding premium pricing:
- Opening ceremony tickets typically range from $500 to well over $2,000+ depending on seat location. Finals tickets exceed early qualifying rounds.
- Closing ceremony tickets are similarly expensive, often priced from $350 to $1,500+, again based on demand and views.
Factors like the popularity of the host city, stadium capacity, and feature performances also impact ceremony ticket prices. The limited number of tickets makes them extremely high demand.
Other ceremonial events like medal ceremonies or the parade of nations cost significantly less, ranging from $50-$300. But the major opening and closing celebrations carry the largest price tags of all Olympic happenings.
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