Transportation from LAX to Pasadena

U.S. Airport Arrival

For information on what to expect upon arrival at a U.S. airport, inspections, and other travel advice, see Arriving at the U.S. Airport.

Transportation from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Pasadena

Note: the International Offices cannot assist with airport pick-ups.

How to get a transport from LAX to Pasadena: once you have landed in LAX, you have to catch a free shuttle bus from the airport to an off-site location (about 2 miles away) where there are taxis and ride share pickups such as Uber, Lyft.

Expect to pay between $80 to $120+ (depending on the number of luggage and how many people) + a tip (~ 15% of the cost), for one way from LAX to Pasadena.

Note: Do not expect to pay a cheaper price with a ride share (Lyft, Uber) than a ellow cab on the way from LAX to Pasadena.

Shuttle Companies. You can also find shuttle services (pay in cash or credit card) outside the Baggage Claim area at LAX. 24-hour shuttle services to Pasadena include:

• Prime Time Shuttle
• ShuttleWizard
• SmartShuttle

Taxi. Depending on the time of your arrival, the trip from LAX to Pasadena may vary between 45 minutes to 1.5 hour (rush hour/traffic) and the expected cost may be $80-$90. Usually, you give a tip to the driver. 

• Authorized Taxicab Supervision (ATS)
• Bell Cab Company
• Beverly Hills Cab Company
• City Cab
• LA Checker Cab
• United Independent Taxi Drivers (UITD)
• United Taxi of San Fernando Valley (UTSFV)
• Yellow Cab

Ride Share.

• Lyft. Caltech has an agreement with Lyft, for business purpose only: https://procurement.caltech.edu/travel#taxi-services-d9dbf8ee-tab
• Uber

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general information only. Caltech does not endorse or recommend any of the organizations listed.