University of Southern California Office of International Services University of Southern California
USC Student Affairs

Transportation from LAX to USC

Transportation Options at LAX Airport

LAX can be quite crowded depending on the time of arrival. Ideally, students should make arrangements to have someone pick them up. Students who are unable to locate the person picking them up should call them with a pre-paid phone card or use coins at a pay phone.  They can also go to the information desk and request to make an announcement on the public address (PA) system.  Students should be prepared to take a shuttle or taxi to their destination in case they are unable to locate their contact.

Commercial Shuttles

Commercial shuttles are minivan-like vehicles that seat about seven people and their baggage. Most commercial shuttles offer door-to-door service, in that they pick up guests right outside the airport terminal and drop them off to their destination address, at the gate or driveway of their accommodation.

Several shuttle service companies offers services on the LAX-USC route. The most popular service is the Primetime Shuttle. USC students, faculty and staff are eligible for a 10% discount if shuttle is reserved through here.  

The LAX website provides more information on shared ride van services.  This page also provides a map of LAX terminals and locations of shared ride vans waiting area. The shuttle stop will be indicated by an overhead sign that bears the name of the company. A shuttle attendant will be standing below the sign on the sidewalk and will assist with the appropriate van for the destination. The wait for the van could range anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

Once the shuttle arrives, the driver will assist with the bags. Students will be asked for the destination address, so they should state the address clearly or show a written copy of the destination address.

The driver will inform the students when they reach the destination. Driver will unload the bags from the van, but will not carry them to the doorstep. This is when students should pay the fare (if it hasn’t already been paid) and tip the driver (generally 10% of fare).

Taxi

In order to take a taxi to the destination, students can book one from a kiosk inside the terminal that has the numbers of shuttles, limousines, taxis, hotels, or find a taxi outside. Students should ask the attendant at the information desk to recommend a taxi and should also ask for an estimate of the fare, which should be approximately $40 (to USC and nearby locations).

Alternatively, students can step out onto the sidewalk just outside of the terminal and hail an empty cab or walk to a taxi stop that should be marked by an overhead sign. The LAX website provides more information on Taxi services at LAX, including a list of taxi companies serving LAX and a map for taxi waiting area.  Some of the more popular taxi companies are Bell Cabs, Checker Cab, and Yellow Cab. Taxis will arrive at the destination faster, as they don't make stops on the way to drop off other passengers, but they are twice as expensive as the shuttle van.

General Tips:

  1. Never leave baggage unattended. Do not entrust bags to a stranger, even if they seem trustworthy and honest.
  2. Be attentive and watchful of signs, directions and maps at the airport. Listen carefully to announcements made over the PA (public address) system.
  3. Beware of solicitors inside the airport terminal and outside who may offer to provide a ride. Don't encourage a conversation with them.
  4. If things are not going according to plan, don't express disappointment or confusion. Similarly, don't divulge the details of the situation to a stranger.
  5. In case of a problem, alert the information desk in the lobby or airport security personnel.

Directions to USC

USC is centrally located and very close to downtown Los Angeles. It helps to be familiar with the main roads and freeways around USC, in order to find the way or give someone else (the shuttle driver, or a friend/relative) the correct directions.

Map of University Park Campus (UPC)
Map of Health Sciences Campus (HSC)

When stating the destination or asking for directions, be very specific to avoid any misunderstanding:

  1. Campus - Mention which USC campus: the University Park Campus or the Health Sciences Campus. The University Park campus is often referred to as the USC main campus.
  2. Cross-streets – Be sure to give the closest cross-streets of the destination. Jefferson and Hoover is an example of cross-streets near USC main campus.
  3. Gate number - There are several numbered entrances to the USC University Park Campus. Each gate has its own schedule, so please check with the USC Transportation Office about gate schedules. Always ask for and include a gate number when getting or giving directions.
  4. Building - All the buildings at USC are either referred to by their respective names or a 3-letter code; for example, the Leavey Library is LVL.

Parking – On-campus parking is available in structures, lots, and on-street (reserved and metered). Metered parking is very limited, and during peak hours, impossible to find. It is possible to make a reservation in advance or purchase a daily parking pass. There is no restriction on passenger drop off or pick up on campus, but access is restricted to the outskirts of campus.