Getting Around UCLA: Transportation Tips for Students

Studying abroad in a large city like Los Angeles may seem overwhelming at first, especially when it comes to local transportation. However, students at the University of California, Los Angeles have various transportation options to help them get around campus and explore the city during weekends. Here are the best ways to travel around the university campus that will make your experience easier.

Biking

Bicycling is a great, low-cost, and environmentally friendly option for getting around campus. Thanks to the installation of bike lanes and more than 3,500 free bike parking spots throughout the university, biking around UCLA is now simpler than ever.

Students can enhance their biking knowledge through various courses, ranging from introductory bike safety classes to those that prepare participants for the League Cycling Instructor (LCI) credential at UCLA. The "Bike Classes" webpage is regularly updated with new offerings. Additionally, you can join the Love to Ride platform to become part of the UCLA biking community. By signing up for free, you'll gain access to features such as prize drawings, goal setting, progress tracking, and achievement badges.

Walking

The mental and physical benefits of walking are well-documented. Walking is an excellent form of exercise and a way to contribute positively to the planet. Whether you're heading to class, grabbing lunch, or running errands, strolling on foot can be a great choice.

When walking, use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. Stay aware of your surroundings and be cautious of blind spots around vehicles like buses and trucks. Before crossing, look left, then right, and left again. Move carefully, as if drivers don’t see you, and make eye contact with stopped motorists. Wearing bright or reflective clothing can improve your visibility, especially at night.

BruinBus

BruinBus is a free shuttle service for the UCLA campus and Wilshire Center year-round. Its clean, air-conditioned buses are wheelchair accessible and eco-friendly. BruinBus provides charter and driver services for student groups and departments, and its friendly drivers are well-trained and knowledgeable about Westwood.

UCLA SmartRide

UCLA SafeRide is a free nighttime transportation service that operates during the school year. It includes a paratransit option for individuals with mobility challenges. The service transports students, faculty, and staff to campus buildings, on-campus housing, and nearby neighborhoods.

Users can schedule rides via the TripShot app on the App Store or Google Play. The service is open to all students, staff, faculty, and guests.

The Safe Loop runs continuously from the start of fall to the end of spring, making stops every 25 minutes from 6:45 p.m. to 9:40 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and breaks.

Zipcar  

Students, staff, and professors at UCLA can utilize cars parked around campus through a partnership between UCLA Transportation and Zipcar, the largest car-sharing provider in the country. The hourly rate covers all costs, including mileage, insurance, parking, fuel, and maintenance—so you only pay for the time you use the vehicle.

To get started with Zipcar, you can sign up online. Once registered, you will receive a Zipcard, which serves as your access key to this innovative service. As a member, you can conveniently reserve a vehicle by phone or online anytime.

Zipcar makes it simple to reserve and pick up a car using your Zipcard. The key to the ignition is attached to the steering wheel column. Once you've finished using the car, park it in its designated spot, lock the doors, and leave the key in the ignition. You will receive a monthly billing statement from Zipcar detailing the hours and miles you have driven, and your credit card will be charged accordingly.

E-scooters

Bird has an agreement with UCLA to provide the university community with electric scooters and bikes for shared rental. You can park and ride the shared scooters and bikes from the authorized vendor on campus.

Please note that only the e-scooters and e-bikes from the authorized vendor are available for shared rental. You may ride these e-scooters and e-bikes on campus.

Los Angeles Public Buses

The Los Angeles bus system is an inexpensive way to get around the city, and UCLA students may even get additional discounts on top of the already affordable tickets. Check out these bus routes for a fun and adventure-filled day around this city with a trip to the beach, hills, or Hollywood.

With all the transportation options available on campus, you are sure to find something that works for you. For more information on programs at UCLA, schedule an appointment with an SAF counselor.