Commute options from La Crescenta to D.T. LA (Glendale: house, college)

[BostonPlant]

Hello all,
I am switching jobs and will now be working in the heart of D.T. LA by the Jewelry District. I live in La Crescenta/North Glendale, and was wondering what my commuting options are. Specifically, I want to know what forms of public transportation would work best as parking is an issue at my new job. From what I see, it looks like I could drive down the 2fwy, park at the Glendale Station and ride MetroLink from there to Union Station, where I can change over to the Metro.

Does this seem like my best option?

Thanks in advance!

[UB50]

That's your best option, unless you decide to take surface streets instead of the 2. The 2 is kind of out of the way after you pass the 134. (You could take 2 to the westbound 134 and get off at Brand or Central.)

[saybanana]

You could always take the Gold Line towards DTLA. Not sure about parking around the stations, though. The nearest would be the one in Old Town Pasadena but there are some paid and free parking in other stations.

[ccm123]

I lived in La Crescenta years ago (great area, by the way). I took Metro 409 (express) when I needed to go downtown for jury duty. Very efficient (about 35-40 minutes from La Crescenta to DTLA). It does get crowded though, but runs during morning and afternoon rush hour. Only disadvantage is that there is no service midday or weekends, it is a commuter express bus.

[BRinSM]

driving down to the metrolink station seems like an added waste of time. i would either drive the entire way or find an express bus like ccm mentioned. From this map (Commuter Express 409 - LADOT Transit Services), it seems the 409 is your best option for a one seat ride downtown. there's even a stop at 7th/Hill which should let you off right in the heart of the jewelry district. and it's only $1.50 each way, which sure beats the cost of parking and gas to boot.

[UB50]

The bus sounds better than the train. The train will be more expensive.

[BostonPlant]

Thank you all so much. I'm really digging the idea of taking the Metro 409 express into the city. I literally live 15-minutes walking distance from the Foothill & Lowell pick-up and will be working like 5-minutes from the drop-off at 7th & Flower.

CCM123, yes La Crescenta is a nice place, but the Bay Area is by far the best part of CA.

Thanks again!

[ccm123]

You are welcome. You are getting on the 409 at an "early" (relatively) stop, so you should have a good seat. By the time the 409 reaches the later stops in Glendale, the bus will be pretty full. I used to live near Hilldale Ave and was always able to get a seat.

Yep, after living in Southern California for many years after college, I decided to head back "home" to the Bay Area.

Originally Posted by BostonPlant

Thank you all so much. I'm really digging the idea of taking the Metro 409 express into the city. I literally live 15-minutes walking distance from the Foothill & Lowell pick-up and will be working like 5-minutes from the drop-off at 7th & Flower.

CCM123, yes La Crescenta is a nice place, but the Bay Area is by far the best part of CA.

Thanks again!

[BostonPlant]

That's great to hear and thanks for all the useful info CCM!

I actually took the dogs for a walk this evening and went by the stop to check it out. It's more like a 25 minute walk since my house is north of Foothill, but the walk there is relatively easy since its downhill the entire way. It might be a bit of a challenge walking back uphill after work on hot days, but I suppose those are the days I can drive down and park closer.

If you're ever down in La Crescenta, look me up. I owe you a coffee!
Have a great evening.