Caltech: fly or drive?
Should you fly or drive to visit Caltech in Pasadena, California? The nearest airport is BUR (Burbank, 25 min from campus). Here's how to decide based on where you're coming from.
Fri, Sep 11 → Sun, Sep 13, 2026 · 2 nights · 2 adults
2 nights
2 adults
The short answer
It depends. Drive if you're under 4 hours away; fly if over 7. Between 4 and 7 hours, drive for two colleges (the car's flexibility wins) and fly for one (the time savings wins).
Nearest airport
Airport
BUR
Burbank
Drive to campus
25 min
without traffic
Backup airport
LAX
Los Angeles
Fly-in program
No
standard visit
Drive times from major metros
| From | Distance | Drive time | Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 2876 mi | 58 h 41 m | Fly |
| Chicago, IL | 2046 mi | 41 h 45 m | Fly |
| Atlanta, GA | 2272 mi | 46 h 22 m | Fly |
| Dallas, TX | 1452 mi | 29 h 38 m | Fly |
| Los Angeles, CA | 11 mi | 13 min | Drive |
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Hotels in Pasadena
16 hotels within 3 mi of Caltech
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Flights to BUR
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