Transportation
U.S. Airport Arrival. The International Offices cannot assist with airport pick-ups.
Bus and Train from LAX to Pasadena. Take the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station. From Union Station, take the Metro Line A to Pasadena. See LAX Flyaway for directions on the transition from the bus to the train.
Connection. If you do not have a cellular international plan, you can either use the free unlimited LAX wifi, or buy a SIM card at a newsstand at the airport before you leave the terminal. Then, you may want to request a taxi or a rideshare, or you may need to contact the driver if you have pre-booked your taxi or rideshare.
Rideshare or Taxi from LAX to Pasadena. The free shuttle LAXit is located outside of the baggage claim on level one to LAX, and transports you where all the taxis and rideshares meet (about 3 miles from LAX).
From there, you can take a taxi or a rideshare (including the one you have pre-booked in advance).
Expect to pay $110-$120 for the pre-booked options and $80-$100 for a taxi or rideshare. Rideshare and taxis usually cost the same from LAX to Pasadena. Plan to tip the driver about 15% of the fare.
Time From LAX to Pasadena: Depending on the time of your arrival and traffic, the trip may vary between 45 to 90 minutes.
Business Travel: If you are on Caltech business travel and you want to use Lyft, set up a business profile to benefit from Caltech's agreement with the company.
Free Metro Pass. Members of the Caltech community can receive a Free Metro Pass that is valid for unlimited rides on all Metro bus and rail lines, as well as many local bus systems including Pasadena Transit.
Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The Metro includes rail and bus lines to get you in and around the Los Angeles area. Review maps and schedules. The Metro Line A serves Pasadena and provides a train from Azusa (east of Pasadena) to Long Beach (south of Pasadena).
Pasadena and surrounding areas. Pasadena Transit provides bus public transportation throughout Pasadena. The 10 Line stops at Caltech. Foothill Transit serves the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys. Line 187 stops in Azusa - Arcadia - Pasadena. MetroMicro is an on-demand local transit rideshare service operated by Metro in Altadena-Pasadena-Sierra Madre, among other neighborhoods.
Caltech/JPL transportation. Metro Bus 177 connects Caltech and JPL.
Caltech Vanpool. The Vanpool Program provides shared transportation for six or more Caltech community members who live more than 15 miles from campus.
Caltech Bike Lab is both a workshop for DIY bike repair and the hub of the campus cycling community. LA Bike Paths is a good resource for Pasadena bikeway maps, local clubs, and other area bike resources. Caltech offers the Caltech Bicycle Program for commuters.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the California state agency that is responsible for processing and issuing driver's licenses and state identification cards. To get a California driver's license (Class C) you need to pass both a knowledge test (a written test about driving rules) and a driving test (behind-the-wheel driving). If you have a driver's license from another U.S. state, you only need to pass the written test. You do not need to take the driving test.
Do You Need a California Driver's License? You can rent a car with a valid, non-California license. You must have a California license to buy a car.
Can You Borrow the Car of a Friend?
Yes, you can legally drive in California if you have a valid driver's license from a foreign country, and you are not required to obtain a California driver's license or international driving permit (IDP). However, you have to make sure that the car's insurance covers a Third-Party. Furthermore, be aware that the insurance cost is more expensive if you do not have a California driving License.
DMV Test Locations. You can take the knowledge test online, without needing to go to the DMV, or in person at a DMV office. Driving tests are done in person and the closest DMV to Caltech is in Pasadena. Other local DMV offices are Glendale, West Covina, Montebello and Lincoln Park. Appointments are required for the driving test and we recommend that you schedule an appointment for your knowledge test.
Fee. The application fee for a Class C driver's license is listed here. The application fee covers the knowledge test and allows three attempts to pass the driving test. There is a nominal fee for retaking the driving test.
Knowledge Test. The knowledge test examines your understanding of the California driving laws. The California Driver Handbook and sample tests will help you study for the test.
Driving Test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you may immediately schedule the driving test. Review this link to prepare.
You will need to provide a car for the driving test. Options include renting a car, asking a friend to drive you to the DMV and using their car, or if you have taken driving classes, the driving school may provide a car. The car must be properly insured. You must be accompanied by someone who has a valid California driving license the day of your test. If you are taking a retest, you will need to pay the retest fee. The link lists the payment options.
Real ID vs. Regular Driver's License. The Real ID is driver's license that can be used to board domestic flights or enter secured federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025. International students and scholars may not be eligible for a Real ID because one of the required documents is a valid U.S. visa. Some international students, scholars, or dependents do not have a U.S. visa or may have an expired one.
License Delays. SAVE is a database that DMV uses to verify your immigration status. If your driver's license application or renewal is delayed, we suggest that you do a SAVE CaseCheck.
Important California Driving Laws.
Driving Under the Influence. California's driving under the influence (DUI) laws apply to both alcohol and drugs. It is illegal to drink any alcohol, to smoke or eat a cannabis product while you are driving or riding as a passenger in a vehicle.
Distracted Driving. It is illegal to wear headphones or earplugs in both ears when driving a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle.
If you buy a car in California, you are required to have a California driver's license.
Do Your Homework. Research the value and price of the car you want to buy. Edmunds, Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book provide information about what a car is worth. American Automobile Association (AAA) provides vehicle pricing reports for their members and to non-members for a nominal fee. Consumer Reports also provides a comparison of cars.
Buying a Used Car. If you buy a used car, the seller must provide you with the current smog certificate, issued within the last 30 days, and the CARFAX to learn the history of the car. Both these documents are required by the DMV. You can find used cars listed for sale on Caltech Marketplace, The Recycler, iSeeCars.com, craigslist.org, and at car dealerships and car rental companies, such as Hertz. This video provides tips for getting car quotes.
Leasing a Car. When you lease a new or used vehicle, you are essentially renting it for an extended period of time. You pay a monthly fee and you must return the vehicle at the end of the lease. In many leases, you have the option to buy the vehicle at the end of the lease. Credit history may be required in order to lease a car.
Buying a New Car. Pasadena has a large range of car dealers.
DMV Fees. You will need to pay DMV fees when you buy a car, such as a registration fee, new license plates, transfer ownership fee, as well as sales tax.
You can rent a car without a California Driver's License.
- If you are 25 years old or older, you can rent a car using your home country driver's license.
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 25, you must provide an international driving permit/license. You must obtain the international permit/license from the appropriate agency in your home county. In addition to the car rental fee, you will have to pay an "underage driver fee," which is about $30 per day.
In additional to local car rental companies, such as Hertz, Enterprise, and CarRentals.com, you can also rent a Zipcar from on-campus.
Business travel. If you are on Caltech business travel, Caltech encourages the use of preferred rental car agencies. See the Procurement website for more information.
If you own, lease, or rent a car, automobile insurance is mandatory in California. An automobile insurance policy must provide a minimum coverage per accident for injury/death for a single or more persons and for property damage. This "third party coverage" covers the cost of any injury or damage you may cause if you are in an accident.
Los Angeles has some of the highest automobile insurance rates in the country. The California Department of Insurance provides information about various types of insurance and a cost comparison of insurance premiums (monthly or annual payments). Securing liability and comprehensive insurance can be very expensive, particularly for first-time drivers. If you maintain a good driving record for the first 18 months, your premium may decrease. If you can provide written proof (in English) that certifies your good driving record for the last three years, you might be eligible for a good-driver discount with some insurance companies. Insurance companies also offer discounts based on the driver's education level and profession. Ask the insurance company what discounts are available to you.
If you move to California from another state, be aware that many out of state insurance companies may not be authorized to do business in California. Before you drive, find out from your insurance company if you are covered in California.
There are many auto insurance companies to select from, including: Allstate, American Automobile Association (pronounced Triple A), Farmers, Geico, Mercury, State Farm and 21st Century.
Roadside Assistance. Many drivers choose to enroll in AAA roadside assistance service for an annual fee. Membership includes 24-hour roadside assistance and towing, as well as other maps and travel assistance and a large variety of discounts. You can become an AAA member for roadside assistance even if you choose another company for car insurance.
Driving License from another U.S. State. If you already have a Social Security Number and are moving from another U.S. state to California, you must register your vehicle and pay the fees within 20 days of your arrival in California. You will have to pass the DMV knowledge test, but not the driving test. See above.
Dependents. If you or your spouse do not have a Social Security Number, you can still apply to a California driver's license. There is a section only for those who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but are California residents according to the DMV.