What’s It Cost To Go Watch The Olympics? (+ Paris 2024 guide)

Sharing is caring!

This article contains affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

Globally, it’s the biggest sporting event going. With 40 sports in total – 32 of which are featured at the main summer Olympics – and around 2300 countries competing, tickets for the Paris 2024 Olympic games are hot property. But what’s the cost to go watch the Olympics? Will it break the bank, and is it worth it? 

I want to share my experience so you will have an idea of what to expect. I also want to share with you details on how to plan your trip so you have everything you need in one place & don't have to hunt around all over the internet.

If you’re thinking about buying summer Olympics tickets and making the trip, this post covers all you should know. Included are how to get tickets for the Olympics, the answer to the question of how much do tickets to the Olympics cost, what sort of sporting events are on the schedule, when to book flights and hotels, what else to do in Paris, and more.  

Beginning with my personal story about researching Tokyo Olympics tickets, this post will help you work it all out for Paris 2024. From how much is it to watch the Olympics to frequently asked questions – such as how much it costs to enter the Olympics as an athlete – you can read all about it right here. 

Whether you want to know where to stay, what to pack, which packages you can buy, or what the alternatives are, read on to find out all about going to watch the Olympics!

---

What's The Cost To Go Watch The Olympics – Tokyo 2020

---

So, you want to travel to watch the Olympics? My husband is a pretty big fan of the Olympics and I am a HUGE fan of traveling. So, when he mentioned going to the Summer Olympics in Tokyo in 2020, I was like..whoa, well, since you twisted my arm…YES! I had no idea what it would really cost to go watch the Olympics…yet.

Walk with me down memory lane for a minute…

---

Planning for Tokyo

When we first started talking about it, we were still several years out. Prices for the actual events, hotels, flights, etc., wouldn’t be available until about one year out. Going in, I knew it would be more expensive than a normal trip to Tokyo. 

First, I looked at a few sites and estimated that the cost (including flights, hotel, tickets to several events, food, etc.) of going to any Olympics would be a minimum of $3,000 per person. Obviously, the sky's the limit…better seats cost more, better hotels cost more, etc. 

But, that gave me a good place to start (or so I thought). I decided for my family of three, we should try to save $12,000 or so. We started saving right away.

As the event got a little closer, I checked the official Tokyo Olympic 2020 website from time to time and found that they were recommending people in the US get their tickets and/or packages through CoSport.com. 

It appears that there are a fair amount of people trying to rip you off and sell fake Olympic tickets, so I wanted to stick with CoSport as recommended.  At that time, there was still no further information available.

Fast forward to one year out…

✔PRO TIP: Make sure you grab your free packing checklist! It has everything you'll need in an easy-to-use PDF checklist that you can use over & over!

Tokyo Packages

When working out what does it cost to go to the Olympics, I thought a package might be the best way to begin. There were 3 basic packages to choose from (none of which included flights, food, etc), as follows.

1. $14,359 PER PERSON (starting price) – Premier Package: Included 4-star accommodation, pre-selected tickets, transportation, and VIP hospitality.
2. $11,095 PER PERSON (starting price) – Sport Specific Package: Included 3 or 4-star accommodation & pre-selected tickets for a specific sport.
3. $4,568 PER PERSON (starting price) – Flex Package: Included: 3 or 4-star accommodation & fixed quantities of self-selected event tickets from dedicated inventory.

After I picked myself up off the floor and goggled at the screen in total shock for a bit, I shook myself and thought “OK, so that’s not going to work… maybe I can piecemeal it… I’ll find my own hotel & buy individual tickets. That’s bound to be cheaper!”

Hotels in Tokyo

First, I first looked at the hotel listed in one of the least expensive packages – Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu. I searched Expedia for that hotel (rated 4.5/5 Wonderful). It was sold out, but it brought up several close to that one. I figured these would also be close to the action.

Just one example… The second hotel on the list (close to the one on the package with a rating of 3.8/5 – Good) was E Hotel Higashi Shinjuku. I put in a 7-night stay for the first week of the Olympics (we thought it would be especially great if we could go to the opening ceremonies). 

The price: $8,020…PER NIGHT!!!!. What!?!? That can’t be right. Maybe I did something wrong…nope. It was right. AND THERE WERE ONLY A COUPLE OF ROOMS LEFT!

After picking myself up off the floor again, I was curious to see what this room would cost normally. I backed up and put in the dates for our spring break…drum roll please…$184 per night. NO KIDDING! Ok, obviously, I expected hotels and flights to be a little overpriced for the Olympics, but I had no idea I was in for THIS kind of increase.

👍ARE YOU TRAVEL OBSESSED? Join ‘Our Travel Obsession' Facebook group!

Flights to Tokyo

I paused my hotel hunting – for a bit – to check out flight costs. Again, for comparison's sake, I looked up the flight for our spring break. The shortest duration flight was $1,170 per person. I went in and changed the dates to the first week of the Olympics, but those flights were not even available yet or showing any pricing. 

Update: I checked again at the beginning of September. The flights to Tokyo only went as far out as June 28. So, I chose to fly in on June 22 and fly out on June 28 (opening ceremonies are on June 24). The shortest duration flight was $2,468 per person. Even though I can usually manage to fly for free, that's a lot to fly!

Event tickets for Tokyo

I searched the same CoSport site for individual tickets to events – just for fun – because at this point I knew this wasn’t happening. ALL INDIVIDUAL TICKETS SHOWED TO BE SOLD OUT!!!

Our Conclusion

Due to the cost of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, we didn’t go. We just weren't prepared for the sticker shock. But guess what – you are now totally prepared!

So, if you are considering Paris, read on! And we've got a few tips to help keep the cost down a bit!

---

What's The Cost To Go Watch The Olympics – Paris 2024

---

All hope is not lost! If my story has left you wondering what does it cost to attend the Olympics when you plan ahead as much as possible & have great resources at your fingertips… this section is for you! Covered here is where, when, and how to buy tickets – including the cost of Paris Olympics admission. Here’s how to get tickets to the Olympics!

---

Paris – Where, when, and how to buy Olympics tickets

The first thing to know about Paris Olympics tickets is that sales will be solely online, for the first time since the games began. Ticket sales are via the official Paris 2024 website. Not one million tickets, but a whopping ten million will be sold this way for the 2024 games. 

That’s a whole lotta tickets. Involving 10,500 athletes, 37 venues, and over 750 scheduled sessions. Yet getting your hands on one isn’t as simple as you might think. It’s safe to assume, for example, that you won’t get tickets for all three sessions you want to attend!

How to buy single tickets

If you want to buy single tickets, three main steps are involved in purchase as follows. 

1. 15th March to 20th April 2023: Registration for the ticket draw.
2. From 9th May 2023: Successful registrants emailed a purchase timeslot.
3. From 11th May 2023: Purchase timeslots can be accessed.

Ticket prices 

So what’s the cost of a ticket to the Olympics in Paris? Prices for various sports events differ, and the seating category determines the cost. These vary according to how close they are to the action. 

There are some accessible and wheelchair seats provided too. Otherwise, some ticket categories are standing rather than sitting. This is something to bear in mind when working out how much does a ticket to the Olympics cost, and of course, before traveling to the Olympics. 

For some sports, tickets for the Olympics cost EUR 24 (around USD 26). From there, prices rise by category and event. For popular events like athletics finals, the cost can be up to EUR 980 – which at the time of writing is around USD 1,075. It’s not cheap!

Alternatives

As you can see, there's a lot more to it than what does a ticket cost for the Olympics. You have to enter a draw and get lucky. In fact, the dates for doing so have already passed. So is that it? Game over? 

Not necessarily… for those wondering how to buy tickets to the Olympics, there are some other options open to you. 

1. Packages. There’s more on this in the section below. 
2. Paralympics. These will be sold during fall 2023. 
3. Winter Olympics. Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy is the venue – but not until 2026.
4. Experience the Olympics in Paris. You don’t have to actually attend any sessions to experience the atmosphere of the host city during the Olympic Games. Just to be there is to see history being made. Plus there’s so much more to do in the glorious capital of France!

Olympic ticket packages

So how much would it cost to go to the Olympics if you book a pre-arranged package? Paris 2024 does provide a range of tailor-made travel packages. There are two main options here.

1. EUR 730 PER PERSON (starting price) – Discover 2024, 1 to 3 nights. Includes tickets, a hotel and transport.
2. EUR 34,090 PER PERSON  (starting price) – Explore 2024. 3 to 6 nights. Discover, plus City of Light tour, a Paris City Pass, and exclusive access to the Salon 24 hospitality space in the heart of the French capital.

When asking what tickets to the Olympics cost as part of a package, it depends on what you want. The cheapest prices cover one night in a three-star hotel with tickets for one event and the use of public transport for travel to the venue. 

At the other end of the scale, the most expensive package includes six nights at a five-star hotel, tickets for half a dozen events including athletics and the closing ceremony, various hospitality provisions, a tour of Paris, and a special event. 

When working out how much the Olympics cost in total would be, don’t forget that flights are not included in these prices!

---

Paris – When to book your hotel (NOW!)

If you’re not booking a package – which includes a hotel stay – then it’s much more than a simple matter of how much tickets to the Olympics cost. A Paris hotel is going to eat up a huge chunk of your budget. 

As we found out when considering how much does it cost to see the Olympics in Tokyo, hotel prices skyrocket when it comes to the Games. Room rates soar, and even then you’ll have trouble finding a place so booking as soon as possible is essential.

A booking.com search performed in May 2023 revealed that the cheapest property cost around EUR 380 per night. That’s around USD 418. This is for a three-star hotel in the 9th arrondissement – certainly nothing fancy. 

We also tried Expedia for comparison, both searching for and looking to book on the same date. The lowest rate was about USD 396 per night. This was for a three-star hotel between Luxembourg Gardens and Montparnasse. 

If you don’t mind traveling each day, stay outside central Paris for better room rates and availability. You could also try VRBO for holiday homes, as an alternative to a hotel. 

Places to stay in Paris

Here are some places to stay in Paris – if they’re available when you look!

• Stade de France: 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord – 4 stars
• Eiffel Tower Stadium: Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero – 4 stars
• Roland Garros Stadium: Hôtel Molitor Paris – 5 stars
• Paris La Défense Arena: Mama Shelter Paris La Défense – 3 stars
• Bercy Arena: Too Hotel Paris – 4 stars
• Parc des Princes: ibis Styles Paris 16 Boulogne – 3 stars
• Grand Palais: La Fantaisie – 5 stars
• Château de Versailles: Louis Versailles Château – 4 stars

If there is no availability at these hotels, use this interactive map to search for hotels and vacation properties:

---

When to book your flight to Paris

Whether you want to travel from the United States to Paris or from elsewhere in the world, expect flights arriving in the city before and during the Olympics to be packed. And expensive. 

You cannot book flights more than a year ahead. The 2024 Olympic Games run from July 26th to August 11th, so you need to be booking in late July or early August. Get ready to secure those seats exactly one year ahead if you can, before they’re all snapped up. 

When you want to know how much is it to watch the Olympics in person, it’s hard to factor in an exact flight price. A lot of airplane tickets are sold in batches – with a certain number of seats available for a set fare. If you book later, you’re more likely to pay more. 

If you find that flight prices to Paris are prohibitively high, get a little creative. You could fly to another French destination, for example, before hiring a car or taking the train. Or fly to London before jumping on the Eurostar. 

---

What does the Paris 2024 Olympic schedule look like?

Though the games officially open on July 26th, a few preliminary events take place before then. From Saturday, July 27th, it really all starts to happen. Around 25 sessions are scheduled for that day alone!

During each day of the Paris Olympics, between 13 and 33 gold medal events take place each day. Friday, August 9th is the busiest day in those terms, with 33 gold medals up for grabs! 

Here is a detailed day-by-day schedule of events.

---

What about the Paris 2024 opening and closing ceremonies?

Apart from the 2024 Olympics being the first for online ticket sales only, the opening ceremony will also make history. Anyone wondering ‘what does a ticket to the Olympics cost?' will be very interested to discover that the opening ceremony will be open to the general public. So it will be possible to attend for free!

Opening ceremony

The River Seine will be the site of the opening ceremony. Spectators gathering on the upper quays won’t even need to pay admission. Access to the lower quays, though, will be ticketed – and draw registration is already closed. 

Closing ceremony

The closing ceremony will follow a more traditional pattern, taking place in the Stade de France. Tickets for this and the lower quays of the Seine are sold via the second phase of ticket sales. Registration for this phase is already closed. 

---

Getting around Paris

What are the transportation options for getting around Paris? Or to the city, if you’re staying outside the central area? 

You have two main options. Rent a car via a company like Discover Cars and drive around. Or you can use public transport. As many locals and visitors do. 

The Paris Métro is the cheapest and quickest way to get around Paris. There are 16 lines and 300 stations. You can also walk or cycle around. Buses aren’t really recommended as tickets are expensive and services are infrequent. 

---

Travel Insurance

Never, ever travel without insurance. It’s a vital consideration when calculating how much is it to go watch the Olympics. I recommend Safety Wing, as it even includes cover for Covid-19. 

Safety Wing can cover you all over the planet. You can even purchase a policy when you’re already overseas if you need to!

---

Other things to do in Paris

If you’re looking for more things to do in Paris throughout your stay, here are some of the top Paris activities and attractions. Plus a few that are further away, and that you can take a day trip to. 

You can book tickets in advance via suppliers like Viator and Get Your Guide. Click the links to find out more and check prices!

• Eiffel Tower Summit skip-the-line ticket
• Eiffel Tower guided tour with lift access
• One-hour River Seine cruise
• River Seine dinner cruise with live music
• River Seine sightseeing and dinner cruise
• Louvre skip-the-line museum and art tour
• Paris food tasting tour of Montmartre
• Big Bus hop-on, hop-off Paris tour
• Versailles Palace small group guided tour
• Paris Catacombs skip-the-line tour
• Moulin Rouge cabaret show 
• D-Day landing beaches day tour
• Champagne region day trip
• Giverny day tour with Monet’s house and gardens
• Disneyland Paris day ticket
• Loire Valley wineries and castles day trip

---

What to Pack for Paris

The Olympics take place in Paris during summer. In July and August, the daily temperature in the city tends to be between around 61°F (16°C) and 79°F (26°C). There are, on average, 6 or 7 days of rain. 

If you’re working out how much it cost to go watch the Olympics and might need to buy a few new items to take, don’t forget to factor in the following essentials!

🎒 Daypack: My top recommendation is the Osprey Daylite

💦 Water bottle: Werewolves ones are affordable, fun, and functional 

📷 Action camera: the GoPro is the go-to

🔋 Portable power bank: Anker is a family favorite in my house

🔌 European plug adapter: Type E is best for France

💊 Travel first aid kit: a compact kit is perfect

👟 Comfortable Shoes: the Brooks Ghost is mega popular and my personal favorite!

🧥 Fleece layer: A zip-up one is ideal for cooler evenings 

🧥 Packable rain jacket – Columbia are highly rated

☂️ Umbrella: I recommend the Repel umbrella

🧴 Sunscreen: Australian brand Blue Lizard is great

---

Ways to save money when going to watch the Olympics

---

• Book Early: Flights and accommodations can get more & more expensive as the event approaches. Book as early as possible to lock in lower prices. Keep an eye out for early bird deals or packages.
• Explore Accommodation Options: Instead of pricey hotels, consider alternatives like VRBO, hostels, or even local guesthouses. Sometimes, staying a bit further from the event venues can also save money, just be sure to factor in the cost and convenience of transportation.
• Look for Ticket Bundles: Sometimes, purchasing ticket bundles for multiple events or for group travel can be cheaper than individual tickets. Keep an eye on the official Olympic ticketing website for deals and bundles.
• Use Public Transportation: Host cities usually have efficient public transportation systems. Invest in a travel card or pass for the duration of your stay, as it’s cheaper than taxis and sometimes offers discounts or special deals for tourists.
• Eat Like a Local: Avoid dining in touristy areas near the Olympic venues. Instead, venture out to where the locals eat. Not only will you save money, but you'll also get to experience more authentic cuisine.
• Volunteer at the Event: This is a long shot, but sometimes volunteers get access to events for free. Check the official Olympics website for volunteer opportunities; it's a great way to be part of the action without the hefty price tag.
• Seek Free Events: The Olympics isn't just about sports; there are often free cultural events, exhibitions, and festivities happening around the city. These can give you a taste of the Olympic spirit without costing a dime.
• Plan a Budget and Stick to It: Set a daily spending limit and keep track of all your expenses. It's easy to get carried away in the excitement, but a little budgeting can go a long way.
• Buy Souvenirs Away from Event Venues: Official merchandise at the event venues tends to be more expensive. You can find souvenirs at local markets or shops for a fraction of the price.
• Check Out Discount Travel Websites: Websites like Kayak can help you find deals on flights and accommodations. Also, signing up for newsletters from travel deal websites can alert you to special offers.

---

How to go to the Olympics FAQs

---

How do you get tickets for the Olympics?

You can buy Olympic tickets online via the official website. The first step is registering for the ticket draw. Successful registrants are generally emailed a purchase timeslot, which they then have a limited time to access. 

How much does it cost to attend the Olympics?

The cost of tickets for the Paris Olympics in 2024 is EUR 24 (around USD 26). Prices vary according to the event and ticket category. For the most popular events such as athletics gold medal contests, the cost can be as much as EUR 980 (around USD 1,075) per person. As well as this, you need to factor in flights, hotels, and transport.  

How many people watch the Olympics?

According to Olympics.com which cites independent research, over three billion people from across the world watched the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. 

How long do the Summer Olympics last?

Whether you want to watch it on TV or go to the host country to see it live, you may be wondering – how long does the Olympics go on for?  Paris 2024 will be held between July 26th and August 11th. The Paralympics will take place between August 28th and September 8th. 

How much does it cost to participate in the Olympics?

So how much does it cost to go to the Olympics as an athlete? The cost per athlete for the summer games is around USD 700,000 – or USD 1.3 million for the winter games. The highest cost per competitor was the London 2012 Summer Games at USD 1.4 million, and the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at USD 7.9 million.  

Why are some professional athletes allowed to compete in the Olympics?

What are the rules about professional athletes in the Olympics? For most sports, professional athletes can enter the Olympics as long as they meet the International Olympic Committee (IOC) eligibility criteria.  

How much does it cost to host the Olympics?

How about the cost of the Olympics for the host city? The costs can be considerable. Rio de Janeiro, for example, spent around USD 11.1 billion on the 2016 summer games. This was because of the infrastructure required, rather than using existing facilities. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has certain requirements of each host city. For example, there should be at least 40,000 hotel rooms in the city, plus an Olympic Village capable of housing 15,000 athletes and officials. Security, safety and planning can also cause considerable expense. 

How do they zero in on the next city to host the Olympics?

Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) choose each Olympic host city. The city is decided via a secret ballot, and the winner in each case must receive the majority of the votes cast.

Which Olympic summer or winter sport is the US most dominant in?

The US is more successful at the Summer Olympics. Sports that the States has excelled in include archery, athletics, basketball, boxing, cycling, diving, equestrian, gymnastics, rowing, shooting,  swimming, tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling.

Why is baseball no longer an Olympic sport?

Baseball was dropped from the Summer Olympics program for 2012 and 2016. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), this was due to a lack of top-level players. However, Nippon Professional Baseball permitted its players to compete in Tokyo 2020 when Japan won and the US was the runners-up in the sport. 

---

Will You Go Watch The Olympics?

---

As you can see, the answer to how much it cost to go to the Olympics can vary so dramatically! If you’re wondering how you go to the Olympics, then the first step is registering for the ticket draw, around 17 to 18 months in advance. If you then get lucky, you can buy tickets during a set time slot. 

The cost to go to the Olympics is determined by ticket prices, which can range from under $30 to more than $1,000. There are many other costs involved in attending the Olympics too, though. Mainly flights, hotels, and transport. 

If you didn’t get event tickets for the 2024 Paris Olympics, then there are other options. You could register for Paralympics tickets during fall 2023. Alternatively, purchase a package that includes tickets, opt for the next winter or summer Olympics instead, or go to the host city anyway for that once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere. 

With so much to see and do in Paris, you hardly need a reason to visit at all. If your heart is set on the Olympics and you’re from the US, the great news is that Los Angeles 2028 will be up next…

Until next time…

About The Author

My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.

I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
Learn more about me & My Travel Obsession here.

My Favorite Travel Booking Apps & Websites

---

⭐MY TRAVEL OBSESSION:

• Products & Services – My Travel Obsession's travel planning products, services, and freebies!
• What To Pack – See all of my personal favorite travel items.
• Travel Resources – Resources that I use most when planning, booking & traveling.

🏡FOR FINDING GREAT PLACES TO STAY:

• VRBO – My #1 recommendation for family-friendly lodging options.
• Expedia – My favorite for hotel bookings.

🚗FOR CAR & RV RENTALS:

• Discover Cars & Sixt – My favorite sites for rental cars worldwide.
• Turo.com – Rent a car from an individual owner – It's like VRBO for cars!
• RVShare – Rent an RV for your next family road trip!

🚁FOR ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS, & TOURS:

• Viator & Get Your Guide – The best sites to find and book activities & excursions.
• Gypsy Guide – An AWESOME audio tour app. ALWAYS check to see if they have a tour available.

🩺FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• SafetyWing – The lowest-cost travel insurance out there. Several options starting as low as $42 for 4 weeks of coverage.

✈FOR FINDING GREAT FLIGHT DEALS:

• Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) – My #1 recommendation for saving big $$$ on flights. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.

🥾FOR HIKING:

• AllTrails – THE APP for hikers. I recommend paying for the pro version so you can use the navigation feature while hiking.

---

Once you're done here, head to the homepage to explore or jump to one of these categories: Texas Travel ~ US Travel ~ International Travel ~ Travel Tips & Tricks ~ Travel Gear & Gadgets ~ What To Pack ~ Travel Planning ~ Shop