<p>How difficult is it to drive from LAX to USC? I hate driving in a fast traffic, lot of lanes and I’m afraid to miss an exit. Sorry… I am a mother accustomed to drive in a small town and I will be visiting the campus very soon. Any suggestions and description of the driving on that route is appreciated :(</p>
<p>Oh dear…why don’t you Mapquest the locations, then check the box for “avoid highways”…This would keep you off the 105 and 110 highways Less miles but alittle more time. Although this is only maybe a 10-15 miles drive…maybe you can do it! I cringe, but my 82 year old mother lands at LAX or Orange County with my 87 year old father, rents a car and drives around LA at least once a year. I fear for the LA folk 'cause I’ve been behind my mom when she has been driving in our small town. Don’t worry, she won’t be out there again until fall!</p>
<p>Getting to USC is a pretty easy ride (I think USC is pretty much downtown…I know their giant stadium is right off the freeway). When you’re getting your rental car ask how to get back onto the 105 East. You take that to the 110 North (it’s a pretty big interchange) until you hit your exit (only a mile or two up the road).</p>
<p>If you’re really worried about driving on the freeways (I’ve been living in LA for two years now after going to college in Pittsburgh and living in a small town before that), you can always take street routes, though it’ll take a little longer. I’d recommend taking Century Blvd (it’s the main road that comes out of the airport going to the east) so you can also visit Kindle’s Donuts. It’s been featured on tons of TV shows, has delicious, and cheap donuts. I wouldn’t visit at night since it’s in a fairly sketch part of town, though. ( [10003</a> S Normandie Ave Los Angeles, CA 90044 - Google Maps](<a href=“Google Maps”>Google Maps) )</p>
<p>Anyway, from Kindle’s you can take pretty much any street there on Google Maps north to get into the heart of LA.</p>
<p>It’s fairly simple on the freeways, though the traffic could be intimidating, I admit.</p>
<p>Going by surface streets would be more complex, but it’s entirely possible. Expect about 35-40 minutes on surface streets once you leave the airport area</p>
<p>If you follow the signs, it’s fairly easy to get there. The freeways in LA (especially downtown) can be extremely complicated. But luckily getting to USC on the freeways is relatively straightforward.</p>
<p>You’ll want to get on the 105 E for 6-7 miles. </p>
<p>The you’ll see signs ~2 miles in advance telling you where you need to be to switch to the 110 N. Just to warn you, the 110 is one of the ugliest freeways I’ve ever seen, it only has 3 lanes (mostly) and the exits become enormously confusing once you pass USC. But you won’t pass USC so that’s not a problem. </p>
<p>Get off 37th st, just go straight so you pass 37th, and turn left on exposition blvd.</p>
<p>then turn right on figueroa or wherever depending on which lot you want to park in (if you have a preference)</p>
<p>Please take Super shuttle and don’t drive in LA if you are afraid. Your fear will make you drive slow and indecisive and that will be dangerous to you and others trying to get around you.</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you for your answers; I think I will follow Batllo’s suggestion.
Some more questions:
If I take the shuttle, how easy will it be to tour the campus? How easy will it be to go to the stores to buy groceries and supplies? I plan to do most of the shopping online; if I forget any essential articles, are there any stores I can buy them at without driving?
If I plan to stay 1 or 2 nights, what is the best place to stay? I heard that the Radisson is across the street from the campus; is it safe to walk from this hotel to the university? Are there any other safe, accessible places to stay? My kid will be in his residential hall but I plan to stay a few nights after he’s there; do you have any advice about this?</p>
<p>Just to let you know, if you’re taking the supershuttle and you book online ahead of time (supershuttle.com), and you have an American Express card, you can save a few bucks by using discount code: 72MMA.</p>
<p>UnleashedFury, I love the 110 as long as it’s not packed with traffic. It reminds me a lot more of the highways in cities back east. :)</p>
<p>Greenery, hopefully USC will let your son get in contact with his future roommate before classes start. If you’re lucky they might be moderately local and be able to help your son out with acquiring things for the dorm room.</p>
<p>Also Primetime Shuttle is an option.</p>
<p>[USC-FBS</a> - travel - Prime Time Shuttle Home](<a href=“Travel & Expense Tip #4: Expense Report Status – USC Business Services”>http://fbs.usc.edu/depts/travel/page/3594/prime-time-shuttle-home/)</p>
<p>That link will give a 10% discount for USC students.</p>
<p>Now I’m assuming you’re asking about these for move-in, if not, just tell me and I can tell you information that is more relevant for you (ie if it’s just a visit or for orientation). Tours should be very easy of the campus, and they may even have tours of the area at that time, but I believe we did most of that during Orientation and not move-in. So you may want to take advantage of that during that time. During move-in week, USC had arranged bus’s that went to Target, so you can easily pick up supplies there and some food. If he’s a freshmen, the food there should be sufficient as the freshmen dorms/suites do not come with kitchens, only mini-fridges and a microwave. Also, there are bound to be people in his dorm that will be making those kinds of trips during the day, so you can always see if you can tag along (and also make a new friend!). The Radisson is very convenient, it even houses some freshmen. However, it gets booked VERY early, so if you plan to stay there during move-in, call them as soon as possible to see if they have space. But yes, it is very safe to walk from the hotel to campus. I’m not really sure on other places that are close enough that you wouldn’t need a car, but hopefully someone else will have some suggestions.</p>
<p>“During move-in week, USC had arranged bus’s that went to Target, so you can easily pick up supplies there and some food.”</p>
<p>Akalboy: Thanks, that is a great idea. I’m feeling better…</p>
<p>(The Radisson already is full: Rate was $240.00 the night)</p>
<p>I lived in LA for 2 summers. For anyone familiar with the area, it was the diamond bar/arcadia area. </p>
<p>i LOVE la traffic. especially when its flowing at 10-15 mph. just dart between everyone. soo fun. it gets annoying when things become parking-lot-ish. </p>
<p>rent a BMW. you’ll end up buying one.</p>
<p>“i LOVE la traffic. especially when its flowing at 10-15 mph. just dart between everyone. soo fun.”</p>
<p>i love san diego, 70 mph is slow here.</p>
<p>Call a local cab company for your errands. Is it expensive? Maybe, but you won’t have to rely on the kindness of strangers and you can get all your errands done efficiently. Be aware you may need to visit several Targets to get all the essentials. Search and down load maps for the 3 Targets near campus. Lots of parents doing the same “nesting” for their kids. Order your BBB with plenty of time for it to arrive at the store and back orders filled. Reconfirm order before you come west. If anything missing, you may have to purchase at home and bring it with you. Collect your BBB coupons-they don’t expire. Don’t forget Costco if you have a membership. They have almost all the things needed to set up a student, albeit in gargantuan amounts. And they have yummy, free samples.</p>