The University of California, Los Angeles sits at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic university districts in Westwood. This dense campus profile combines academic excellence, cultural access, and urban convenience into a single, clearly defined location.
Below is a quick location reference that captures coordinates, campus boundaries, ZIP code, and nearby transit corridors that define how people reach and describe the UCLA footprint in Los Angeles.
| Feature | Details | Reference Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34.0689° N, 118.4452° W | Google Maps, campus center | Used for navigation and geolocation services |
| Official Address | 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095 | U.S. Mail and visitor directions | Main administration and central landmarks |
| ZIP Code | 90095 | U.S. Postal Service | Covers Westwood campus and adjacent areas |
| Nearest Major Freeway | Interstate 405 | Exit at Wilshire Boulevard | Primary regional north-south artery |
| Transit Hubs | Westwood Station (E Line) | Underground light rail, Westwood Blvd at Hilgard | Campus-connected light rail with regional connections |
UCLA Campus Neighborhood Context
Westwood Village and Surrounding Area
UCLA anchors the Westwood neighborhood while being bordered by distinctly different districts on several sides. To the east, Brentwood offers a more residential, leafy setting with midcentury homes. Westwood Village delivers dense retail, restaurants, and nightlife within a short walk from campus housing.
To the north, Bel Air represents private residential enclaves with larger estates, while Century City to the southwest functions as a dense business and shopping district. These adjacent neighborhoods shape traffic patterns, housing markets, and lifestyle options for students, faculty, and staff.
Getting Around the UCLA Campus
Driving and Parking Options
Driving to UCLA often involves navigating limited on-campus parking and permits that prioritize residents, staff, and patients. Street parking in Westwood Village adds complexity due to meters, time limits, and posted restrictions that vary by block.
Most commuters rely on commuter parking structures located at the edges of campus, such as Parking Structure 1 and Parking Structure 2, which serve as central transfer points for the campus shuttle network. During peak hours, these structures fill quickly and require early arrival to secure a space.
Public Transit and Regional Access
Metro Lines and Bus Connections
The E Line light rail stops at Westwood Station directly below UCLA property, linking the campus to Santa Monica, Culver City, and downtown Los Angeles. This connection supports students, staff, and patients who travel without personal vehicles.
Several Metro bus lines, including Rapid lines, extend from Westwood Station toward destinations such as Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and LAX. Campus maps routinely highlight preferred walking routes to bus stops to minimize street crossings and maximize safety during early morning and late evening travel.
Planning Your UCLA Visit
- Use the official address and ZIP code 90095 in GPS and ride-hailing apps to avoid misrouting.
- Check real-time E Line and Metro bus schedules before traveling to align with class and event times.
- Arrive early if driving to campus during weekday peak hours to secure parking in one of the main structures.
- Consider using campus shuttles from Westwood Station or parking garages to reduce congestion in the core academic area.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where is UCLA actually located?
UCLA is located at 405 Hilgard Avenue in Los Angeles, CA 90095, in the Westwood neighborhood south of the 405 freeway and west of Sepulveda Boulevard.
What are the GPS coordinates for UCLA?
The central coordinates for UCLA are 34.0689° N, 118.4452° W, which place the main quadrangle and most academic buildings near the geographic center of the campus.
How close is UCLA to LAX airport?
Los Angeles International Airport is roughly 12 to 18 miles southwest of UCLA, with travel times typically ranging from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and the time of day.
Which public transit lines serve UCLA directly?
The E Line light rail at Westwood Station and multiple Metro bus routes provide direct service, making it feasible to reach campus from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and LAX without driving.