Los Angeles Airports: Which One to Use for Your Cruise

Los Angeles is served by several commercial airports, and the best choice for your cruise depends on your flight schedule, fare, and cruise terminal. The Los Angeles Cruise Terminal in San Pedro and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal are only about seven miles apart, so an airport that works well for one can work well for the other.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX offers the broadest choice of domestic and international flights, making it a natural option for many cruise guests. The Los Angeles Cruise Terminal in San Pedro is about 18 miles from LAX, while the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is roughly 22–23 miles away. In practical terms, the travel-time difference is usually modest once normal Southern California traffic is considered, so choose the airport and flight that best fit your plans.

LAX is a large airport with several terminals arranged in a horseshoe. Confirm your airline’s terminal and ground-transportation plan before arrival. Standard taxis and rideshare pickups use LAX-it, next to Terminal 1; guests can walk or take the complimentary shuttle from the arrivals level. Rental-car customers use the airport’s designated rental-car shuttle.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Long Beach Airport is an especially convenient choice for either cruise terminal when its flight options fit your trip. It is closer than LAX to both terminals—about 10 miles from San Pedro and roughly 10–12 miles from the Long Beach terminal—so transfers are generally quick and straightforward.

LGB is compact and easy to navigate, with taxis, rideshare, rental cars, and local transit close to the terminal. It is a wonderful option for guests who prefer a smaller-airport experience or who are extending their trip in Long Beach. The airport’s domestic route network is more limited than LAX, so compare schedules and fares before deciding.

John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

John Wayne Airport can be a good option for travelers based in Orange County or anyone finding a particularly convenient flight. Hollywood Burbank Airport is most useful for guests already spending time in the San Fernando Valley or northern Los Angeles. For most cruise guests, LAX or Long Beach Airport will offer the most convenient balance of service and transfer time.

Flying Home After Your Cruise

For your return flight, choose a departure time that leaves room for disembarkation, luggage collection, and the transfer to the airport. A later flight gives you a more comfortable finish to the vacation, and Long Beach Airport can be particularly appealing when its schedule works for your party.

Let Ben’s Travel Coordinate the Details

The right airport choice can make your cruise transition easy from the very beginning. Ben’s Travel can compare flights, arrange a pre-cruise hotel, coordinate transfers, and help you choose the airport that best suits your sailing, schedule, and budget. Contact Ben’s Travel to plan your complete Los Angeles cruise vacation.