Riverside is located at the center of the "Inland Empire", approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, 50 miles west of Palm Springs, and 100 miles north of San Diego.

By plane, you can reach Riverside by landing at one the following three airports:

• LAX Los Angeles International Airport: 71 miles.
  Shared-ride Shuttle service to Riverside is $69 for the first person, $9 for each additional person (plus tip).
• SNA John Wayne Airport in Orange County: 47 miles.
  Shared-ride Shuttle service to Riverside is about $74 for the first person, $9 for each additional person (plus tip).
• ONT Ontario International Airport: 20 miles.
  Shared-ride Shuttle service to Riverside is about $35 for the first person, $9 for each additional person (plus tip).

If you are already in a major hub in the US, ONT is by far the most convenient airport.

If you are flying from abroad, you might find more flights and cheaper fares by flying into LAX. Keep in mind, however, that rush hour traffic can more than double the driving time between Riverside and LAX. It is best not to be on the major highways between 7am and 9am and between 4pm and 6pm on work days.

• If you are driving from out-of-town:
  • From the I-215 highway / 60 freeway, coming from either direction, exit at University Avenue and turn east onto University Avenue.
  • To obtain a UCR parking permit, you need to turn right onto West Campus Drive, just one block before the end of University Avenue. Drive to the Information Kiosk and ask for a parking permit. You can purchase a permit for a day ($8) or for the entire duration of QEST ($20). See the campus map.
    These permits are valid in Parking Lot 24 only.
  • Return toward University Avenue, turn right, and, when University Avenue ends, continue by turning left (north) onto Canyon Crest Drive.
  • To enter Lot 24, which is along Canyon Crest Drive, turn right at the first parking lot entrance. Engineering Building II is a short walk from Lot 24, and there will be signs indicating the pedestrian way.
• If you are driving from the Mission Inn:
  • From Mission Inn Avenue, reach the next parallel street south, University Avenue.
  • Go east on University Avenue until it ends, then follow instructions above.
• If you are walking from the Marriott Courtyard:
  • Walk east on University Avenue until it ends.
  • Continue walking east on Campus Drive.
  • Engineering Building II will be on your right, after you pass Aberdeen Drive on your left.
• If you are walking from the Dinasty Suites:
  • Walk south on Iowa Avenue until you reach University Avenue.
  • Turn right (east) onto University Avenue, then follow instructions above.