Pasadena and Downtown LA sit about 10–11 miles apart by road. That sounds close. Off-peak, it is. But add rush hour, a Dodger game, or New Year’s Day near the Rose Parade route, and that same 10 miles can take an hour.
Here are the exact distances, realistic travel times, Metro A Line details, and what a walk actually looks like, all anchored to specific endpoints.
Quick Answer: Distance + Typical Travel Time
Most people asking this question mean Downtown LA , specifically Union Station or City Hall. Here’s a summary:
| Mode | Typical Distance | Typical Time | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car (via CA-110 S) | 10–11 miles | 10–20 min off-peak, 20+ min peak | ~$2–$3 fuel (parking extra) | Fastest off-peak |
| Train (Metro A Line to Union Station) | ~10 miles | ~23 min | $1.75–$2 | Predictable arrival |
| Walk | ~18–19 miles | ~4.5–8 hrs depending on pace | $0 | Long day / challenge walk |
Things to note:
- The most common transit endpoint is Union Station / Downtown LA. Metro routes use this as a central hub.
- Travel times vary most during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM) and major event nights like Dodger games.
What Los Angeles Point Are We Talking About?
“LA” can refer to different areas. Here are the three most relevant endpoints for this comparison:
- Downtown LA (LA City Hall / Grand Park) , the primary reference point for “Pasadena to LA” distance.
- Union Station , the main hub for train travel and transfers.
- Dodger Stadium , a common destination with specific traffic patterns.
This article uses these endpoints consistently for accurate comparisons.
Straight-Line vs. Road vs. Rail Distance
| Distance Type | Distance |
|---|---|
| Straight-line (as the crow flies) | ~9 miles (14 km) |
| Driving (typical road distance) | ~10–11 miles |
| Rail (Metro A Line: Memorial Park → Union Station) | ~10 miles |
Specific Start/End Points for Distances:
- Car Distance (10-11 miles): This refers to the route from Memorial Park Station in Pasadena (125 E. Holly Street) to Union Station (800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles) or other Downtown LA landmarks like Grand Central Market or Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- Metro A Line Distance (10 miles): This is the distance covered by train from Memorial Park Station in Pasadena (125 E. Holly Street) to Union Station (800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles).
Road distance may vary slightly based on the exact starting point in Pasadena (e.g., Old Town, East Pasadena, South Pasadena) but stays within a 1-2 mile range.
By Car: Miles, Routes, and Real Drive Time
Common Reference Points
Pasadena City Hall → Los Angeles City Hall: ~10–11 miles via CA-110 S
This is a baseline. Mileage for this specific route is between 10 and 10.4 miles.
What the Drive Actually Takes
| Time of Day | Expected Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Off-peak (midday, late night, many weekends) | 10–20 minutes |
| Peak (weekday AM/PM commute windows) | 20+ minutes, sometimes significantly more |
The Route Most People Take
CA-110 S (Arroyo Seco Parkway / Pasadena Freeway) is the most common route. It offers the most direct path between Pasadena and Downtown.
If starting north or east of central Pasadena, you might use I-210 to connect, but for most trips from Old Town or Pasadena City Hall, the 110 is the preferred road.
Where Traffic Occurs on the Drive
- CA-110: This freeway has narrow lanes, short on-ramps, and tight curves. An incident can quickly cause delays.
- I-210 through Pasadena: Expect slowdowns during PM peak from about 3–8 PM.
- SR-2 (Glendale Freeway): It often gets congested on Dodger game nights when traffic from Chavez Ravine merges onto surrounding freeways.
Real-Time Traffic Resources
To check peak travel times and potential delays on the CA-110 S between Pasadena and Los Angeles, use these resources:
- Caltrans QuickMap: This official CA DOT tool provides real-time freeway speeds, traffic cameras, and incident alerts (quickmap.dot.ca.gov or the app). Updates occur every few minutes and cover the CA-110 S route.
- Sigalert.com: Offers LA-specific real-time speeds, accident reports, and traffic cameras for freeways like the CA-110.
Cost to Drive
- Fuel: Roughly $2–$3 for a round trip in a typical car.
- Parking: Downtown LA parking usually costs more than the fuel. Factor this in when comparing driving to public transit.
By Train: Metro A Line from Pasadena to Union Station
This is the most predictable option.
The Route
- Start at Memorial Park Station (125 E Holly St, Pasadena) , located in Old Town.
- Ride the Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line) directly to Union Station (800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles).
- From Union Station, walk or connect via Metro to the Grand Park / City Hall area.
Key Facts
- Time: Approximately 23 minutes (Memorial Park → Union Station).
- Frequency: Every ~15 minutes, daily.
- Fare: $1.75–$2 one-way (regular Metro fares).
Purchasing a Metro A Line Ticket
- Obtain a TAP Card: You need a TAP card to ride the Metro A Line. A new card costs $2.
- Purchase Locations:
- Vending Machines: Available at all Metro rail station platforms (like Memorial Park Station).
- Online: Visit taptogo.net.
- TAP App: Download the official TAP app.
- Phone: Call 866.TAPTOGO.
- Vendors: Various retailers sell TAP cards.
- Loading Fares:
- You can load a single one-way trip ($1.75), stored value, or various passes onto your TAP card.
- Payment Methods:
- Vending Machines/Online/App: Credit/debit cards are accepted.
- TAP App: Offers contactless payment.
- Buses: Cash is accepted on buses, but exact change is required (not directly on rail).
- Validation/Usage:
- Rail Stations: Tap your loaded TAP card or phone/app on the yellow validator readers located at the station gates or entry points before boarding. This activates your fare and includes 2-hour transfers.
- Important: No cash is accepted directly on Metro rail. Register your TAP card at taptogo.net for balance protection.
Why the Train Wins in Certain Situations
- Avoids freeway backups entirely , the 23-minute ride remains consistent regardless of rush hour.
- Skips Downtown parking costs and the hassle of finding a spot.
- Union Station connections are convenient for Amtrak, Metrolink, and other subway lines.
What to Watch For
- Big events (Dodger games, concerts downtown) can mean crowded platforms and trains.
- Allow a few extra minutes for platform waits and the walk through Union Station.
On Foot: What Walking Pasadena to LA Actually Looks Like
Most people do not walk this route frequently. However, it is possible.
The Distance
A mapped route from Pasadena to Grand Park (Downtown LA) is approximately 18–19 miles. There is no short, direct walking path; terrain, freeways, and neighborhoods add distance.
The Walking Route
While a step-by-step street-by-street map for a specific Pasadena City Hall to Grand Park walk is not available in the provided research, a similar route goes as follows:
- Departure: Start around Pasadena, potentially from Colorado Boulevard.
- Pasadena to Eagle Rock: Cross the Arroyo Seco bridge into Eagle Rock.
- Eagle Rock to Highland Park: Travel south through Highland Park on Figueroa Street.
- Across the LA River: Continue across the Los Angeles River.
- Chinatown to Downtown LA: Pass through Chinatown and into Downtown LA, aiming for Grand Park.
This route passes through various neighborhoods. Detailed safety considerations or specific rest stop locations for such a long walk are not provided in the research. It is generally recommended to use transit for this distance.
Time Estimates
| Pace | Estimated Walking Time (excluding breaks) |
|---|---|
| Casual (2.5–3 mph) | ~6–8 hours |
| Faster (3.5–4 mph) | ~4.5–6 hours |
When Walking Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)
- Choose it for a challenge, charity walk, or group event where the journey is the main purpose.
- Skip it if you are on a schedule, it’s hot, or you would be walking unfamiliar areas after dark.
- Always plan for water, rest breaks, and a bail-out option. Metro stops and ride-share options are available along parts of the route.
Big Event Days That Change Travel
Rose Parade (New Year’s Day, Pasadena)
- Road closures begin at 10:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve along the 5.5-mile route (Orange Grove Blvd, Colorado Blvd, and Sierra Madre Blvd).
- All north–south roads crossing between Del Mar Blvd and the 210 Freeway remain closed until ~2:00 p.m. New Year’s Day.
- This causes heavy congestion on the 210 and local streets throughout the morning.
- The Metro A Line is preferable on this day, as it runs along the route and avoids road closures.
Dodger Stadium Games
- Games with ~7:00 p.m. starts lead to traffic on the 5, 110, 101, and SR-2 well before the game.
- Multiple events or postseason games worsen congestion.
- If attending a game, the Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station is recommended to avoid freeway traffic.
Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station
This free bus service offers fans a direct route to Dodger Stadium.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure Point | Union Station West (in front of the Fred Harvey building, adjacent to Alameda Street) |
| Cost | Free for all ticket holders. Regular Metro fares apply if you use Metro to get to Union Station. |
| Service Schedule: Start Time | Buses run every 5-10 minutes, beginning 3 hours before game time. |
| Service Schedule: Pre-Game End | Service continues through the end of the 2nd inning. |
| Service Schedule: Return Service | Ends 1 hour after the final out or 30 minutes after post-game events. |
| Drop-off/Pickup | Behind center field or at the top deck. Pickup is at the same stops after the game. |
| Route Details | Uses a dedicated bus lane on Sunset Boulevard from Union Station to Vin Scully Avenue. |
| Travel Time | Approximately 26 minutes from Union Station. |
| Connections to Union Station | Fans can reach Union Station via the Metro A, B, D, or J Lines. |
| Parking at Union Station | Available starting at $8. |
Best Option by Situation
| Priority | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Fastest off-peak | Car |
| Predictable arrival time | Train |
| Lowest cost | Train ($1.75–$2) or Walk ($0) |
| Event-day convenience | Train |
| Fitness / adventure | Walk |
FAQs
Does Pasadena count as LA?
No. Pasadena is an independent city in Los Angeles County. It has its own government and services. It is near LA and culturally linked but is not part of the City of Los Angeles.
Why is Pasadena famous?
It is primarily known for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, held annually since the late 1800s. Other points of interest include Caltech, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Old Town’s dining and shopping, and its historic architecture.
How far is LA from Pasadena driving?
About 10–11 miles via CA-110 S from Pasadena City Hall to LA City Hall. Off-peak, this is a 10–20 minute drive. During rush hour, plan for 20+ minutes or more.
How much is an Uber from LAX to Pasadena?
Uber pricing changes based on demand, time, and surge pricing. The distance from LAX to Pasadena is about 25–30 miles. Expect prices in the $45–$80+ range, potentially higher during peak or surge periods. Check the app for a real-time estimate.
Pasadena to Los Angeles: how many miles is it?
About 9 miles straight-line and 10–11 miles by road. The Metro A Line covers approximately 10 miles between Memorial Park Station and Union Station.
How long is the drive on a normal day?
Off-peak, the CA-110 S route takes about 10–20 minutes. During weekday rush hour, it can be 20+ minutes or longer if there’s a breakdown on the 110.
How long is the Metro A Line ride to Union Station?
About 23 minutes from Memorial Park Station in Old Town Pasadena to Union Station. Trains run every ~15 minutes.
Is there a direct walking route?
Not a short one. The most practical walking path is around 18–19 miles, passing through Eagle Rock, Highland Park, and Chinatown into Downtown LA. It is a full-day walk, not a casual stroll.
Quick Reference Recap
| Mode | Distance | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | ~10–11 miles | 10–20 min off-peak / 20+ min peak | Via CA-110 S |
| Train (Metro A Line) | ~10 miles | ~23 min, every ~15 min | $1.75–$2 fare |
| Walk | ~18–19 miles | ~4.5–8 hrs depending on pace | Full-day commitment |
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