For the trip from LAX to Pasadena, you can take a taxi or rideshare, or use public transit via Union Station. Los Angeles International Airport is about 43 minutes by car from El Rancho Motel, though your choice of airport pickup or transit connections will shape the trip.
- Taxi or standard rideshare: use LAX-it for pickup.
- Public transit: take the LAX FlyAway Union Station bus, then connect to the Metro A Line.
- Metro fare: the regular one-way fare is $1.75 and includes two hours of free transfers.
What to decide before leaving LAX
Your main choice is whether to travel directly by taxi or rideshare, or connect through Union Station by bus and rail. LAX is the airport serving travel between the airport and Pasadena.
For a car pickup, first identify which service you plan to use: standard ride-app services and airport taxis use designated pickup arrangements, while private vehicles use the outer curb. If you are taking transit, the LAX FlyAway Union Station bus runs directly to Union Station without intermediate stops, and the Metro A Line connects onward to Pasadena.
The motel's available room options are in Pasadena; plan the final leg from your arrival point accordingly.
How do you get from LAX to Pasadena by taxi or rideshare?
Standard taxis and ride-app pickups use LAX-it, the designated lot next to Terminal 1, while a limited number of taxis can also be found at specified locations inside the Central Terminal Area.
To reach LAX-it, walk there or take the free shuttle. The shuttle boards at the inner curb on the lower arrivals level outside baggage claim, beside green LAX-it signs, and arrives every 3 to 5 minutes. Lyft, Opoli and Uber are the ride-app providers authorized by LAX for standard pickups at the lot.
LAX permits only taxis bearing an official seal from the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation to pick up at the airport. The limited in-terminal taxi locations are Parking Structure 3, between the Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 3, and the far end of Terminal 7 outside baggage claim.
Premium or larger ride-app services, including Uber Black, Uber Black SUV, Uber XL, Lyft Black and Lyft Lux, may pick up at terminals. Private vehicles may collect passengers at the outer curb on the first level outside baggage claim. LAX says its airport fee applies to ride-app drop-off and pickup trips.
What shuttle and shared transport options are available?
The LAX FlyAway Union Station bus offers a direct public-transit connection from the airport to Union Station, where you can transfer to the Metro A Line for Pasadena.
The FlyAway bus runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and makes no intermediate stops. Keep in mind that it takes you to Union Station rather than directly to your Pasadena destination, so the trip includes a rail connection.
Other airport shuttles serve different purposes: hotel shuttles pick up on level 2 in the departures area, while rental-car and parking shuttles use the ground-level outer curb. These pickup points are separate from the LAX-it location for standard taxis and rideshares.
How can you use public transit from LAX to Pasadena?
Public transit from LAX to Pasadena can be routed through the LAX/Metro Transit Center and its rail connections, or via the FlyAway bus to Union Station and the Metro A Line.
Metro says a free, frequent shuttle connects the airport terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, departing from bus bays 1 and 2. The C Line and K Line serve the transit center. Metro bus lines 102, 117 and 120 also connect there, with operating hours and fares that vary by route.
The regular one-way Metro fare is $1.75, including two hours of free transfers. Check the official site before you go for current fares, operating details and pickup arrangements.
Planning your final leg in Pasadena
Allow for a final connection from your arrival point to your Pasadena destination. If you take transit, you can connect from Union Station to the Metro A Line for Pasadena, then arrange your onward trip.
For getting around once you are in Pasadena, local transport planning can help you make the most of your stay.
Sierra Madre Villa is another Pasadena station, and its guide to Sierra Madre Villa station covers the area.
FAQs
Is there a direct bus from LAX to Union Station?
Yes. The LAX FlyAway Union Station bus runs without intermediate stops, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Where do standard rideshares pick up at LAX?
Standard Lyft, Opoli and Uber pickups are at LAX-it, next to Terminal 1. You can reach the lot on foot or by free shuttle.
Can you reach Pasadena by Metro from LAX?
Yes. One option is to take the FlyAway bus to Union Station and connect to the Metro A Line. Metro also connects the terminals to the LAX/Metro Transit Center by shuttle.