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Life & Community Creating Community International Students Getting to Campus

Getting to Campus

Visiting Scripps College

Frequently touted as one of the country’s most beautiful, our campus is situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and at the heart of The Claremont Colleges.

Living in Claremont

Only 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles, and with a population of just 35,000, the quintessential college town of Claremont is known as the City of Trees and PhDs. The center of Claremont is the Village, a strollable downtown destination where café tables dot the sidewalks and shops invite browsing on tree-lined streets. A movie theater, street festivals, and a weekly farmers’ market provide entertainment.

Claremont offers many essential businesses and retailers, including banks, a drugstore, and dry cleaners, in addition to restaurants, bakeries, clothing stores, and more.

Climate

Daytime temperatures in Claremont vary from the low 50s to the low 100s, but nighttime temperatures are often considerably lower than daytime. An 80-degree day may lower to the mid-40s at night. Periodically, there are desert winds that bring hot and very dry air, and it does rain in Southern California. Chances are you’ll be able to put an umbrella to good use.

Clothing

Dress on campus varies widely according to individual taste and mood, ranging from shorts and pants to dresses and skirts. It’s a good idea to bring at least one dressy outfit, because there are semi-formal events at least once or twice each semester. For hot weather, shorts, sundresses, and other cool attire (including swimsuits) are good to have on hand. Be sure to bring a jacket as well as cold-weather clothing—it can be cold and rainy in the winter.

Transportation

On Campus and the Surrounding Area

There are many transportation options available to help you get around campus and the surrounding campus community. Driving is the most common and simplest way to travel; however, many students do not have cars on campus. Bikes and skateboards are a common sight on and around campus. To venture beyond the colleges, public transportation and ride-sharing services are also available.

Local Bus Company

Foothill Transit provides bus service throughout Los Angeles County. You can use cash (exact fare required) or purchase a convenient transit pass or TAP card at the Claremont Transit Center on First Street. See Foothill Transit for additional information on Foothill Transit routes, schedules and fares, as well as a handy Trip Planner.

Metrolink

The Metrolink offers direct train service to Los Angeles Union Station from the Claremont Transit Center on First Street. See www.metrolinktrains.com for additional information on Metrolink schedules and fares.

Dial-a-Ride

Claremont Dial-a-Ride can take you to neighboring cities or any location within Claremont.

Steps to using Claremont Dial- a-Ride:

  • To schedule a ride, call (909) 623-0183 about 1 hour before your desired pick-up time.
  • Have a phone number and specific address ready for both pick up and destination.
  • You will be picked up and transported in a comfortable taxicab or minivan.

Rides are only $2.50 each way (rates subject to change).

Taxi

Many taxi companies are available in this region. Claremont Yellow Cab serves the Claremont area and can take you to wherever you want to go, on time and safely. You can reserve online or call (909) 622-1313.

Note: The fee is higher than Claremont Dial-a-Ride. Please check the fee when you call before you use the service.

Zipcar

Zipcar is a car share service that offers rental cars on an hourly or daily basis. Membership is required. There are several Zipcar locations at The Claremont Colleges. See www.zipcar.com/universities and use the “Search for your school to sign up” box to learn more.

Rideshare Apps

Rideshare companies such as Lyft or Uber offer affordable and convenient transportation services.

Getting to Claremont

Nearby Airports

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ontario International Airport (ONT) are the closest international airports to Claremont.
  • LAX is located about 50 miles/80 km from Claremont. Google driving directions
  • ONT is a small airport located about 10 miles/16 km from Claremont. Google driving directions

Transportation Options from the Airport to Claremont

There are several ways to travel from LAX or ONT airports to Scripps College, including ride-share apps, taxis, and shared shuttle services. Travel assistance is available for students who demonstrate a financial need.

Rideshare Apps

Rideshare companies such as Lyft or Uber offer affordable and convenient transportation services from the airport to Claremont. Download the applications to your mobile electronic device to create an account and reserve your transportation service.

Taxi

Each airport has a “Ground Transportation” area where taxis are available for hire. While this option is more expensive, it is a good idea to have as a backup option in case your travel plans change unexpectedly.

Shared Shuttle Services

Generally, shared ride van services are very convenient. They are safe, fairly inexpensive, and provide door-to-door service to and from the airport.

Ontario Airport Shuttle Services

LAX Airport Shuttle Services

All Southern California Airports Shuttle Services

Prime Time Shuttle (800) 733-8267

Travel Assistance

Students who have a financial need can apply for travel assistance with the Flight 300 Program through this independent organization, not affiliated with Scripps College: Isaac Bruce Foundation. View the 2021 summer and fall semester travel application (due June 30, 2021).

Students with outstanding financial need should contact the Financial Aid Office.