Accessible Travel in Pasadena

Airports & Security

TSA Cares

Before you fly, TSA Cares is here to help. This nationwide program assists travelers with disabilities in understanding security screening policies and procedures. It is available at all U.S. airports, including those serving Pasadena. To arrange support, call 1-855-787-2227 or submit a Request for TSA Cares Assistance Form at least 72 hours before your departure. After coordinating with TSA Cares, contact your airline directly to discuss any additional in-flight assistance you may need.

From LAX

Ground Transportation Waiting Areas

Los Angeles International Airport offers numerous accessible drop-off and pick-up waiting areas on both the upper and lower roadways of the terminal complex. For a full map of ground transportation waiting areas, click here.

LAX FlyAway Bus

The LAX FlyAway Bus offers convenient, affordable transfers between Los Angeles International Airport and Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. Wheelchair accessible buses are available, and trained service animals are welcome on board. They should sit on the floor space in front of their owner's seat. To request assistance in advance, call 1-866-435-9529 or book online.

LAX-it (Ride-Share & Taxi)

LAX-it (LA Exit) is located north of the terminals and is your hub for accessing ride-share and taxi services from LAX. All LAX-it shuttles are accessible. Large shuttles feature no steps and are equipped with wheelchair ramps, while smaller shuttles have steps and wheelchair lifts. The LAX-it area also includes accessible restrooms and charging stations. For additional assistance, contact laxit@lawa.org.

Getting Around Pasadena

Metro Bus & Rail

LA Metro maintains a dedicated Accessibility team to ensure a comfortable experience across all bus and rail lines. Key initiatives include hands-free access to station crossings and elevators, as well as customer information and assistance points throughout the network.

Metro Bus

LA Metro buses are equipped to accommodate a wide range of mobility devices. Bus operators are available to assist, and all buses feature automated stop announcement systems so you always know where you are. Mobility devices must be able to fit on the ramp and maneuver to the wheelchair securement area. To schedule a free appointment for pre-marking and strap placement securement, call 213-922-6919.

Metro Rail

Every Metro rail station offers at least one accessible route from street level to the platform, whether by walkway, ramp, or elevator. Wheelchair locations are marked with a symbol on each railcar door. Note that rail cars do not have securement devices, so passengers using mobility chairs are encouraged to set the brakes or power off before boarding. Learn more here.

Ride-Sharing: Uber WAV & Lyft WAV

Both Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) options through their mobile apps. Uber's specialized WAV drivers are third-party certified to assist riders entering and exiting the vehicle. Both apps are compatible with VoiceOver for iOS and Google TalkBack for users who are blind or have low vision. Service animals are welcome on both platforms.

Paratransit – Access Services

Visitors who are unable to use fixed-route public transportation due to a disability may be eligible for Access Services, a complementary paratransit program. Access Services offers shared-ride, curb-to-curb service available seven days a week from 4:00 a.m. to midnight. Visitors can register ahead of their trip online at accessla.org.

MobilityWorks

MobilityWorks offers accessible van rentals, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The company can deliver a van to the nearest airport, subject to availability. There is also a Pasadena office location at 325 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena, CA 91107. This rental service was recommended by Cory Lee in Visit California’s 2025 California Road Trips issue.

Pasadena City Parking

Visitors with a valid Disabled Person Parking placard or plate may park for free with no time limit at on-street metered parking spaces, blue curbs, green curbs, and resident or merchant permit spaces, as long as the individual to whom the placard is issued is present in the vehicle at the time of parking. For more information, visit the City of Pasadena Department of Transportation.

Museums

Norton Simon Museum

The Norton Simon Museum is committed to welcoming all visitors from the moment you arrive. Accessible parking spaces connect directly to the museum entrance via ramps, and an elevator provides access to both levels. At the Information Desk, you can request assisted listening devices, wheelchairs, an audio tour script tablet, and large-print booklets. Complimentary one-hour tours are available for visitors with special needs for a more in-depth experience. For more information, visit the Visitors with Special Needs page or call the museum directly.

USC Pacific Asia Museum

The USC Pacific Asia Museum welcomes visitors with a wide range of disabilities. Wheelchairs are available upon request at the Information Desk, and wide entrances and gallery spaces accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters comfortably. For more information on accessible amenities, call (626) 787-2680.

Southern California Children's Museum

Families and children of all abilities are warmly welcomed at the Southern California Children's Museum. On the last Thursday of every month from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., the museum hosts Play for All Abilities, a dedicated program featuring a less crowded environment, sensory backpacks, limited stimuli, and nonverbal communication cards.

Pasadena Museum of History & the Fenyes Mansion

The Pasadena Museum of History includes both exhibition galleries and the historic 1906 Fenyes Mansion, available for tours on select days, Thursday through Sunday. Walkers and wheelchairs are welcome in the Fenyes Mansion, though please note that, as a historic building, it is not fully wheelchair accessible. For more information or to plan your visit, call (626) 831-9044.

The Gamble House

The Gamble House offers complimentary admission to any visitor who provides direct assistance to a paying guest with accessibility needs, including wheelchair or walker use, deafness or hearing loss, blindness or low vision, or neurodivergence. Please note that, as a historic building, it is not fully wheelchair accessible, and access to the first floor is limited, requiring a manual wheelchair stair lift. They also offer typed tour scripts in French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), and Italian. To request specific accommodations for tours, contact the Tour and Education Manager at (626) 793-7419.

Gardens & Trails

The Huntington

Spanning 130 acres, The Huntington has made accessibility a priority across nearly all of its buildings and gardens. Complimentary wheelchairs are available upon request, and visitors using motorized scooters, wheelchairs, or Segways can use the accessible visitor shuttle to navigate the grounds. For more information, call (626) 405-2100.

Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens offers a beautiful and accessible experience for visitors of all abilities. The most accessible areas include the Center Circle, the Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Promenade, and the Lilac Garden. Complimentary wheelchairs are available upon request, and golf cart service is available for visitors who need assistance reaching the Sturt Haaga Art Gallery or the Boddy House.

Los Angeles Arboretum

The Arboretum's wide roads make it easy to explore by wheelchair, scooter, or segway. The popular Tram Tour covers 127 acres of stunning gardens and can accommodate one wheelchair per tour. Call on the day of your visit to verify tram availability at (626) 821-3222.

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Located in a residential neighborhood with limited parking, the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden asks that visitors who require accessible parking or entrance call ahead at (626) 399-1721 so staff can make the appropriate arrangements.

Arroyo Seco Loop

For visitors looking to enjoy Pasadena's natural scenery, the Arroyo Seco Loop offers a scenic outdoor option. Check AllTrails for current trail conditions and accessibility details before your visit.

Attractions & Venues

Pasadena Convention Center

The Pasadena Convention Center is fully equipped to welcome visitors with disabilities and special needs. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with elevators connecting the parking level to the plaza level where the conference building and convention center are located.

Rose Bowl Stadium

The Rose Bowl Stadium offers a full range of accessible services for event attendees. Visitors are encouraged to contact their ticketing source in advance to arrange accessible seating. Transportation options include accessible parking, drop-off and pick-up areas, and complimentary ADA-accessible shuttle buses that offer front-of-line access for all visitors with disabilities. On-site accessible services include assistive listening devices, sign language interpretation, TTY, wheelchair assistance, and an accessible ticket booth. To request additional accommodations, contact the Rose Bowl Stadium at least five business days before your event at (626) 577-3101.

Arts & Entertainment

Pasadena Playhouse

Accessible seating at the Pasadena Playhouse is available on the orchestra level. Assisted listening devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the Playhouse offers Access Performances on selected nights designed specifically for guests who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision. Contact Patron Services to arrange accommodations for wheelchair users or visitors with disabilities at (626) 356-7529.

A Noise Within

All areas of A Noise Within are wheelchair accessible, and ADA-compliant wheelchair and companion seats are available throughout the theater. Closed captioning and assisted listening devices are available upon request. Throughout each program, A Noise Within also hosts sensory-friendly performances designed for patrons with sensory sensitivities, Autism, Alzheimer's, dementia, anxiety, or other challenges, with modifications to lighting, sound, and the overall theater environment for a more relaxed experience.

Pasadena Civic Auditorium

In full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium is prepared to accommodate all guests. Designated wheelchair and companion seating is available. Be sure to request ADA seating at the time of ticket purchase. Assisted listening devices are available upon request at the Guest Services desk.

Ambassador Auditorium

All seats at the Ambassador Auditorium are accessible, and patrons may use their own wheelchair or transfer to a standard chair. Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed at all performances.

Boston Court Performing Arts Center

Accessible seating is available in both of Boston Court's performance spaces. Assisted listening devices are available upon request at the Box Office. Patrons with certified service animals are encouraged to contact the Box Office in advance to arrange suitable seating.

Caltech Auditoriums

Caltech is home to two accessible performance venues. At the Beckman Auditorium, accessible seating is located on the west side and throughout the space, and assisted listening devices are available upon request. The Ramo Auditorium similarly offers wheelchair accessible seating and assistive listening devices.