General Driving Directions
Caltech is easily accessible from both the 110 (Harbor) Freeway (southwest of campus) and the 210 (Foothill) Freeway (north of campus).
If you're taking the 110 freeway, follow the freeway north until it ends - it becomes the Arroyo Parkway. Take Arroyo Parkway straight ahead and turn right (east) on California Blvd. Proceed approximately one and a quarter miles to reach Caltech.
If you're taking the 210 freeway, exit at Hill Avenue; turn south on Hill. Take Hill south to California Blvd to reach Caltech.
Transportation around town
Ride share options are your best bet if you don't have a car. Pasadena transit (link) is an alternative option, though the bus frequency can be low during the day.
Some hotels might offer complementary shuttle service from/to Caltech, please inquire when booking.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
By car
From the baggage claim, proceed outside to the center island and wait at the purple sign which reads, Rental Car Shuttles. All major companies are available at LAX. This is the most convenient option if you want to drive to the campus or plan to visit the city as well.
Then EITHER take Sepulveda Blvd. south to the Glenn Anderson Fwy (105) then east to the Harbor Fwy (110) north to the Pasadena Fwy, OR take the San Diego Fwy (405) north to the Santa Monica Fwy (10) east to the Harbor Fwy (110) north to the Pasadena Fwy. We recommend to look at your favorite traffic app to find the best option.
Taxi / ride share
Taxi and ride share (Uber, Lyft) are centrally located about a mile away from the airport. From the baggage claim, proceed outside to the LAX-it shuttle stop (a bright green sign should be visible from each exit - and your app should also indicate them). Once at the central location, follow the instructions off your app or take a taxi.
Depending on the time of the day, the cost of a taxi or ride share app may be comparable.
Public Transportation - if you feel adventurous:
FlyAway buses pick up at every LAX terminal on the Arrival/Lower level under the green signs indicating "FlyAway, Buses and Long-Distance Vans." Get on a FlyAway bus going to Union Station.
Once arriving at Union Station, disembark the bus and walk to the Gold Line, located at Tracks 1 and 2. Board the Gold Line with direction to Pasadena.
Exit at Lake St. station, which is a 10-15 minute walk from campus. (The Del Mar station is closest to the Sheraton and Hilton, the Lake station is closest to Vagabond Inn, and the Allen station station is closest to Saga Motor Hotel and Athenaeum). Once in Pasadena, there are LA Metro buses that run within Pasadena, or you could walk. There is also a separate bus system just for Pasadena called ARTS that you can use once in Pasadena, but it only stops every 25 minutes, and it closes before 8:00 pm.
From Bob Hope Airport in Burbank (BUR)
By car
After exiting the baggage claim, proceed to the RITC area (see this map) which can be accessed by using the elevated walkway located adjacent to the Valet Center in front of the terminal. All major companies are available at BUR. This is the most convenient option if you want to drive to the campus or plan to visit the city as well.
Take the Golden State Fwy (Interstate 5) south to the Ventura Fwy (134) east to the Foothill Fwy (210) east. Exit at Hill Avenue and follow the directions described in the "General driving direction" section above.
Taxi / ride share
The pick-up point for ridesharing companies is located at the ground transportation island across from the Terminal B entrance (see this map). Taxi are available on the central island.
Public Transportation - if you feel adventurous:
Metro Bus and BurbankBus stop in the Transit Center on the ground level of the RITC (see this map). The best option depends on the time of the day, it is recommended to check the Metrolink bus trip planner and follow the directions (link). The trip will take between 1.2 - 2 hrs
From Ontario Airport (ONT)
By car
ONT provides free shuttle service for rental car customers between the passenger terminals and the Rental Car Center, where the on-airport rental car counters are located. Off-airport rental car firms provide transportation for customers between the center and their offices.
Take the San Bernardino Fwy (10) west to Orange Freeway (57) north to the Foothill Fwy (210); take the 210 west to Pasadena. Exit at Hill Ave and follow the "general driving directions" described above
Taxi and ride share
The ride share pick-up area is located outside each terminal under the "Ride-Share Pick Up" signs. Taxis are available at the taxi ranks in front of every terminal, on the outer island
Public Transportation
It is not advised to take public transportation from Ontario to Pasadena.