Office of International Services
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  • Getting From the Airport to USC

Getting From the Airport to USC — USC OIS

[Photo] An elevated view looks down a tree-lined campus pedestrian walkway between brick buildings, with people walking, gathering at outdoor seating under red umbrellas and relaxing in landscaped plazas. A bright blue sky with scattered white clouds stretches above the campus.

Using public transportation from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to USC is not recommended, as there is no direct, convenient route. All taxis and shuttles whose services are requested at curbside at LAX are licensed and safe to use.

Consult the LAX website for comprehensive information on ground transportation options.

USC is centrally located and close to downtown Los Angeles. It helps to be familiar with the main roads and freeways around USC to find your way or give your driver the correct directions. Here are the directions to both of USC’s campuses from LAX and maps of the respective campuses:

[Photo] A young person in a red USC Housing T-shirt waves red-and-gold pom-poms beside vehicles arriving outside a brick residence hall while people unload belongings in the background. Bright sunlight and clear skies emphasize the move-in scene.

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

  • Mention which USC campus you’re going to. USC has two campuses: the University Park Campus (UPC) and the Health Sciences Campus (HSC). UPC is often referred to as the USC main campus.
  • Give the closest cross streets to the destination. For example, Jefferson Boulevard and Hoover Street are the cross streets near UPC.
  • Give the correct gate number. There are several numbered entrances to UPC. Each gate has its own schedule; please check the USC Transportation website for details. Always ask for and include a gate number when getting or giving directions.
  • Give the correct building name or code. All USC buildings are either referred to by their respective names or a three-letter code; for example, the Leavey Library is LVL.
  • Arrange your drop-off location. There are no restrictions on passenger drop-off or pickup on campus, but access is limited to the campus outskirts.
  • Consider where to park. If you need to park a vehicle, there are several options available. On-campus parking is available in structures, lots and on the street, with reserved and metered options. Metered parking is very limited and can be difficult to find during peak hours. Instead, consider making a parking reservation in advance or purchasing a daily parking pass through USC Transportation.
  1. Never leave baggage unattended. Do not entrust bags to a stranger, even if they seem trustworthy and honest.
  2. Be attentive to signs, directions and maps at the airport. Listen carefully to announcements made over the public address system.
  3. Beware of solicitors inside and outside the airport terminal 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 share the details of your situation with a stranger.
  5. In case of a problem, alert the information desk in the lobby or airport security personnel.
[Photo] Three people walk along a campus street during move-in, with one pulling a rolling suitcase and another pushing a large cart loaded with boxes and supplies. A brick parking structure, hedges and traffic cones line the route.

Early Move-In to USC

Welcome Trojans Orientation