Transportation from LAX to Pasadena
U.S. Airport Arrival. The International Offices cannot assist with airport pick-ups. 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.
Bus and Train. Take the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station. From Union Station, you can take the Metro Line A to Pasadena. See LAXFlyaway for directions on the transition from the bus to the train.
Van, Car, or Rideshare. Take LAXit, a free airport bus, to LAXit site, next to Terminal 1. From there, you can take a pre-booked shuttle van or private car, or a waiting taxi or rideshare. Expect to pay $110-$120 for the pre-booked options, and add a tip (~15%). Expect to pay between $80-$100+ for a taxi or rideshare, and add a tip (~15%). A rideshare company is usually the same cost as a taxi from LAX to Pasadena.
If you need to contact a driver via text or phone, you may need to buy an American SIM card if you don't have an international phone plan. You should be able to purchase a SIM card at a newsstand at the airport before you leave the terminal.
For Business Purpose Only (not for students and scholars): Caltech has an agreement with Lyft.
Time From LAX to Pasadena: Depending on the time of your arrival, the trip may vary between 45 minutes to 1.5 hour (rush hour/traffic).
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