Hollywood Burbank (BUR) is the closest airport to Caltech at about 17 miles, with LAX about 28 miles and roughly 45 minutes away by car. On campus, visitors pay through Honk on weekdays and park free in commuter stalls after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
17 miles from campus
By car, the Keck Institute for Space Studies at Caltech gives the route as Interstate 5 south to the Ventura Freeway (134) east, then the Foothill Freeway (210) east. The same page estimates a public transit trip of about 1.5 to 2 hours on Metro buses, so check current routes in Metro's trip planner before relying on it.
Caltech's Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy calls Burbank the closest airport to campus.
about 45 min by car, 28 miles from campus
Caltech's Family Weekend travel page puts the drive at about 45 minutes depending on traffic and suggests a rental car or rideshare. Rideshare pickups at LAX happen at the LAX-it lot, reached by shuttle from baggage claim. Without a car, the page suggests the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station, then Metro light rail to Pasadena; FlyAway boards on the Lower/Arrivals level at the blue FlyAway columns outside each terminal. The Keck Institute directions estimate about 2.5 hours for the transit trip.
The Caltech Family Weekend page still calls the Pasadena light rail the Gold Line. The Keck Institute directions use its current Metro name, the A Line.
37 miles from campus
The Keck Institute directions route drivers west on the San Bernardino Freeway (10) to the Orange Freeway (57) north and then the Foothill Freeway (210). The page says public transportation is not recommended from Ontario.
Hollywood Burbank (BUR). About 17 miles from campus, and the airport Caltech's physics division calls the closest. The Keck Institute for Space Studies gives the driving route as Interstate 5 south, the Ventura Freeway (134) east, then the Foothill Freeway (210) east.
Los Angeles International (LAX). About 28 miles away. Caltech's Family Weekend travel page estimates a 45 minute drive depending on traffic and suggests either a rental car or rideshare. Rideshare pickups happen at the LAX-it lot, reached by shuttle from baggage claim.
If you would rather skip the car, the FlyAway bus runs between every LAX terminal and Union Station seven days a week, boarding at the blue FlyAway columns on the Lower/Arrivals level. From Union Station, Caltech suggests Metro light rail to Pasadena. The Family Weekend page still calls it the Gold Line, while the Keck Institute directions use its current Metro name, the A Line. The Keck Institute estimates about 2.5 hours door to door this way.
Ontario (ONT). About 37 miles east. Drivers take the 10 west, the 57 north and the 210, and the Keck Institute says public transportation from Ontario is not recommended.
Visitors can use any commuter (unreserved) stall in a campus lot or structure. Payment is through Honk: look for the payment signs at the stairwells in each parking structure and choose scan or text to pay, with no app download needed. Rates, each plus a service fee:
A paid session or permit is required from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. On weekday evenings after 5 p.m. and all weekend, visitors can park in commuter stalls without paying. That covers Saturday Move In Day and the weekend days of Family Weekend.
The Keck Institute directions name Structures 1 and 2 as the main visitor parking and Structure 3, under the softball field on California Boulevard, as overflow. The Financial Aid Office at 383 S. Hill Ave. sits behind the Holliston parking structure.
If your student brings a car, Housing says residents need a parking placard from the Caltech Parking Office, (626) 395-8877, and that no motorized vehicles may be parked next to the on campus houses.
Caltech's Family Weekend travel page lists these hotels with distances from campus:
Caltech's list also names Pasadena Hotel (1 mile) and Hyland Inn (2 miles).
Book early around the three big family dates: Move In Day on Saturday, Sept 19, 2026, First Year Family Weekend on Jan 29 to 31, 2027, and Commencement on Friday, June 11, 2027. The Family Weekend page says Caltech partners with several hotels, so look for any group rate when registration opens in November.
We don't take money from hotels. This list is based on location and what parents in our group recommend.
Next to campus, 551 South Hill AveWalkable to campus
Family weekend: Listed on Caltech's Family Weekend travel and accommodations page
Caltech lists it at 551 S Hill Ave, less than 0.1 mile from campus, with phone (626) 395-8200. The Athenaeum says to call its Front Desk at that number to reserve a room for yourself or your sponsored guests, so ask whether you can book.
Pasadena, near campusWalkable to campus
Family weekend: Listed on Caltech's Family Weekend travel and accommodations page
Caltech lists it as less than 1 mile from campus. Address per the hotel's site: 1633 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena.
Central Pasadena1.2 miles from campus
Family weekend: Listed on Caltech's Family Weekend travel and accommodations page
Address per the hotel's site: 168 South Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.
Central Pasadena1.4 miles from campus
Family weekend: Listed on Caltech's Family Weekend travel and accommodations page
Address per the hotel's site: 399 E Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101.
Pasadena2.2 miles from campus
Family weekend: Listed on Caltech's Family Weekend travel and accommodations page
Listed by Caltech as The Langham.
Old Pasadena2.2 miles from campus
Family weekend: Listed on Caltech's Family Weekend travel and accommodations page
Listed by Caltech as Courtyard Marriott Pasadena. Address per the hotel's site: 180 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103.
East Pasadena, 3500 E. Colorado Blvd3.8 miles from campus
Family weekend: Listed on Caltech's Family Weekend travel and accommodations page
The hotel lists free breakfast and paid on site parking.
Booking tip
Rooms near Caltech sell out first on these dates, so book as soon as your plans are set:
What the listings say about busy weekends:
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), about 17 miles away. LAX is about 28 miles, roughly a 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
Yes. Caltech directions suggest the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station, then Metro light rail to Pasadena. The Keck Institute for Space Studies at Caltech estimates about 2.5 hours for the trip.
Visitors pay through Honk: $3 for 1 hour up to $9 for the day, plus a service fee. Parking in commuter (unreserved) stalls is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Caltech's Family Weekend page lists The Athenaeum (under 0.1 mile), Saga Motor Hotel (under 1 mile), Hilton Pasadena (1.2 miles), Hyatt Place Pasadena (1.4 miles), The Langham and Courtyard Pasadena (2.2 miles each), and Holiday Inn Express & Suites (3.8 miles), among others.
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