Pasadena Transportation

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Old Town is mainly on Colorado Blvd. between Pasadena Avenue to Arroyo Parkway and perhaps one block south of Colorado to Green Street and 2 blocks north of Colorado which include Union Street and Holly Street.

Becareful if you're driving, Green Street and Union Street are one-way roads. There are several parking structures in the area and pricing is all different.

Although it appears that Pasadena has some public transportation options, the easiest way to see Pasadena is by car, especially if you are looking to do an architectural tour.

To get there from Los Angeles you will want to take the 110 (Harbor/Pasadena Freeway).

If you are visiting Old Pasadena, there is the Schoolhouse parking garage on Raymond just south of Colorado Blvd. that is free for the 1st 90 minutes, $2 per hour after 90 minutes. It should come out cheaper than the metered spots you will find on the street plus you don't have to worry about running out of time.

So, you are staying in Hollywood and feel like you have had enough of her? Well, head east via Metro and experience what Pasadena has to offer. An out of towner may find thsi route very useful. Catch the 180 via Hollywood/Vine Station,which is in a very tourist-populated area to Psadena, ending at Pasadena hots spots, like by the Colorado/Lake crossing. This route is convenient for shopping , like at Paseo Colorado (outdoor mall) , much entertainment down Colorado Blvd. On the way, catch the stunning Colorado Street Bridge from the windows. Although, this is very much a city bus route, treat it like a rather convenient, cheaper tour bus with scenic and sight-worthy stops. The bus runs every day, from 4AM to 4AM for the most popular part of the route ,which is almost the whole route. there is a Metro Line stop at Sierra Madre (the last,most southeastern of the Gold Line). By the way, the route goes through better parts of nearby city of Glendale.

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Thank goodness L.A.'s Metro added the Gold Line for faster connection to the golden treasure of Pasadena. From Union Station in downtown L.A. , one can arrive in Pasadena in under 20 min!

The line travels up above Chinatown in Downtown L.A. and southeastern parts of Los Angeles, such as Highland Park. As for Pasadena points of interests close to the stations, good ending points are: Lake (Ave) and Del Mar in Pasadena (as pictured).

For Lake, after exiting train, one can go up the elevator to arrive on Lake Ave. to then catch a bus which is fairly frequent to Lake Ave shops.

For Del Mar, after exiting train, head towards Old Pasadena, a wonderful and popular outdoor area full of entertainment. Currently, this stop is under construction, though significant progress is already made. Luxury apartments and lofts are being built by the tracks.

By car with a lot of patience!! The rumors you have heard are true. Traffic in Southern California is horrendous.

Pasadena has a nice downtown area where you can actually park and walk around. It is also a short cab ride from Pasadena Hotels. If you intend to explore other areas in Los Angeles, the coast or otherwise, you will need a car as these other areas are pretty far from Pasadena.

As normal, one of the first questions that is asked by international travellers is... how is the public transit system in this area. Los Angeles is a system of highways, with no real organized public transportation system, and Pasadena is no different.

Rent a car... you will get where you are going faster!

If you are headed in from within the US, one of your best bets at a quick airport process is to choose Burbank airport over LAX. This is a great option if you do not have to: (a) arrive late at night, or (b) not travelling from internationally!

Burbank was recently renamed Bob Hope Airport, after the well known Hollywood Celebrity Bob Hope, who logged millions of airline miles entertaining US troops abroad!

This airport is served by: Alaska, Aloha, American, America West, Southwest and United.

First I arrived in LAX International Airport.
Jeannie (our host) picked us up there. She drove us all around with her fancy car. So, I sugget you to rent a car, but be careful that you don't stuck on your way.
For exploring city centre just walk, relax, and have fun!