USC: fly or drive?
Should you fly or drive to visit USC in Los Angeles, California? The nearest airport is LAX (Los Angeles, 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
LAX
Los Angeles
Drive to campus
25 min
without traffic
Backup airport
—
none nearby
Fly-in program
No
standard visit
Drive times from major metros
| From | Distance | Drive time | Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 2889 mi | 58 h 58 m | Fly |
| Chicago, IL | 2060 mi | 42 h 02 m | Fly |
| Atlanta, GA | 2284 mi | 46 h 36 m | Fly |
| Dallas, TX | 1463 mi | 29 h 52 m | Fly |
| Los Angeles, CA | 4 mi | 5 min | Drive |
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Hotels in Los Angeles
38 hotels within 3 mi of USC
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Flights to LAX
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