Getting to the LA Cruise Ports: Your Complete Transportation Guide

Los Angeles-area cruises use two nearby terminals: the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal in San Pedro and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal beside the Queen Mary. They are only about seven miles apart, but they are separate facilities, so always confirm the terminal on your cruise documents before arranging transportation.

A little advance planning makes embarkation day easy. Ben’s Travel recommends confirming your terminal, arranging transportation ahead of time, and allowing a comfortable time buffer so you can begin your vacation feeling relaxed and ready to sail.

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Cruise Terminals

LAX is about 18 miles from the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal in San Pedro and roughly 22–23 miles from the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. While Long Beach is a little farther on paper, the real-world travel-time difference is usually not dramatic; both trips should be planned with a generous traffic buffer.

Rideshare, taxis, private transfers, rental cars, and cruise-line transportation can all work well. At LAX, standard taxis and rideshare pickups use LAX-it, located next to Terminal 1. You can walk there or take the complimentary shuttle from the arrivals level. Private car services and some premium rideshare options may have different pickup arrangements, so confirm the instructions for your selected service.

From Long Beach Airport (LGB) to the Cruise Terminals

Long Beach Airport is closer than LAX to both terminals—about 10 miles to San Pedro and roughly 10–12 miles to the Long Beach terminal. Its compact size and simple ground-transportation area make it a very convenient choice for flying in or out when the schedule and fare are right.

Taxis, rideshare, rental cars, and private transfers are readily available at LGB. It is an especially appealing option for guests sailing from Long Beach, but it can also make for a quick, easy transfer to San Pedro.

Driving and Parking

If you are driving, both terminals offer cruise parking. At San Pedro, official standard-vehicle parking is currently $23 per day; confirm the current rate, availability, and instructions before travel. Long Beach parking is available near the Queen Mary, and Carnival can confirm the latest rate, vehicle requirements, and arrival instructions for your sailing.

Some nearby hotels also offer cruise-and-stay packages. Ben’s Travel can compare a hotel package with terminal parking and help you choose the better value for your trip.

Public Transit

Public transit can be a practical, lower-cost option for light packers with flexible schedules. The Los Angeles Cruise Terminal in San Pedro is served by bus routes, including Metro’s J Line 950, with connections to the wider Los Angeles transit network. Long Beach Transit buses also serve the Queen Mary and cruise-terminal area. Metro’s A Line reaches downtown Long Beach, a few blocks from the waterfront, where you can connect by local bus, rideshare, or the LB Circuit on-demand service to the terminal.

For guests traveling with several bags or a larger party, a rideshare, private transfer, rental car, or cruise-line shuttle will be more convenient.

Cruise-Line Shuttles

Many cruise lines offer day-of-departure shuttles from both LAX and Long Beach airports. Availability, pickup points, and pricing depend on your cruise line and sailing, so Ben’s Travel can confirm the right option for you. Even when a same-day shuttle is available, we recommend arriving at least one day before departure whenever possible. A pre-cruise hotel night gives you time to settle in, enjoy the area, and start embarkation day feeling refreshed.

Timing Tips for a Relaxed Embarkation Day

Follow your cruise line’s assigned arrival window and leave room for normal traffic variation. Keep boarding documents, identification, medications, valuables, and anything you may need on day one in your carry-on bag. Confirm your exact terminal before you depart your hotel or airport.

Let Ben’s Travel Handle the Logistics

Ben’s Travel can coordinate flights, a pre-cruise hotel, parking, transfers, and cruise-line shuttle options around your specific sailing. Contact us to create a smooth Los Angeles cruise departure that fits your travel style and budget.