Flying in
Hollywood Burbank (BUR)
Burbank is the closer airport, about 15 miles from campus, and Oxy's admission office says the trip typically takes 25 to 40 minutes. The college's Burbank directions page lists Prime Time Shuttle, (800) 733-8267, for door to door rides to Oxy; it asks for reservations at least 48 hours ahead. The same page puts a taxi or Uber at about $35 to 40 one way. If you want a car for the visit, rentals are on site at the airport's Regional Intermodal Transportation Center.
LAX
LAX is approximately 25 miles away, and the college is candid that the drive can take 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. Oxy estimates a taxi, Uber or Lyft at about $60 to $65 one way. A cheaper route is the LAX FlyAway bus to LA Union Station, which boards on the Lower/Arrivals Level at the blue FlyAway columns. From Union Station, the college suggests a taxi or rideshare, or a Metro rail connection to Highland Park.
How students get around
Your student does not need a car to reach the airport. The ASOC Bengal Bus is a free, student run ride service that runs Monday through Saturday, 5 to 9pm, within about seven miles of campus. During holiday and spring breaks it also drives students to Hollywood Burbank Airport and to DTLA Union Station, where they can catch the FlyAway to LAX. It does not go to LAX itself. Students request rides by texting (213) 349-5464. Students also ride Metro trains and buses free through a U pass on their TAP card.
Driving and parking on campus
Coming from the 134 Freeway, the admission office says to exit at Eagle Rock Blvd., head south, turn left on Westdale Avenue, and follow the signs to campus.
Visitors park in spaces marked in green as Visitor/Vendor. You need a temporary permit, which Campus Safety issues at no cost from its office in the Facilities Management Building. The permit has to be dated and hung from the rear view mirror. The green zones are enforced Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For admission visits, the college also points visitors to the Collins House Lot and to Campus Road near Ridgeview Avenue.
Where parents stay
The college keeps a hotel information page with distances and discount codes. The hotels with Oxy rates are 2.8 to 9.4 miles from campus, so plan on a short drive.
Eagle Rock
The neighborhood right next to campus has two hotels on Colorado Boulevard. Oxy's list includes the Best Western Eagle Rock Inn at 2911 Colorado Blvd. and The Hills Inn Eagle Rock at 2300 Colorado Blvd., neither with an Oxy rate.
Glendale
Glendale, just west, has the closest discounted option on the list: Holiday Inn Express Glendale Downtown at 2.8 miles, where the college's booking link applies the discount automatically. The Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale (5.2 miles) and Hyatt Place Glendale/Los Angeles (5.7 miles) also carry Oxy codes.
Pasadena
Pasadena, a few miles east, has the most choices on the list. The Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles/Old Pasadena (5.2 miles), The Westin Pasadena (5.6 miles), Hyatt Place Pasadena (6 miles) and Hotel Dena (6.1 miles) all appear with Oxy rates. The Langham, Pasadena also appears, without a listed distance.
On campus
The Samuelson Alumni Center has five hotel style suites, and parents of Oxy students can stay there upon approval. Email samuelsoncenter@oxy.edu or call (323) 259-2629. During move in, the new student guide says parents and guests may not stay overnight on campus, so book a hotel for that week.
Busy weekends
Move in week in mid August, Homecoming & Family Weekend in early October, and Commencement in mid May bring the most families to campus at once. The discount codes only help if rooms are left, so book as soon as each date is posted rather than waiting for a schedule. The hotel page also lists rental car codes for Hertz and National/Enterprise.