When you come to the new Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, leave the car at home - or at least at a Metro Rail stop.

There are many alternative forms of transportation to the Nokia Theatre and Staples Center, including Metro Rail and Metro buses, which make frequent stops near the venues.

If you're coming by train ($1.25 each way), Metro Rail Pico Station, which is on the Blue Line that runs from the Long Beach area, is only a block away from the venues. You can also take the Red Line from North Hollywood or Universal City and make a short (one-stop) transfer to the Pico station. To find the route that's best for you, use the trip planner at www.metro.net.

But if you must drive, Nokia, Staples and the L.A. Convention Center are all easily accessible from every major freeway.

Prepaid parking is recommended and available at www.ticketmaster.com.

When you do get there, promoters promise nearly 4,000 parking spaces immediately adjacent to the Nokia complex, with more than 16,000 parking spaces available within a 10-minute walk. There's also some street parking, if you're lucky.

Parking lots controlled by the venues are open 2 1/2 hours prior to events and remain open one hour after the event's final encore.

Parking rates vary and are subject to change, but lots in the 10-minute walking range are usually $5 to $10.