Best Transportation from LAX & Long Beach Airport to the Cruise Port (2026)

Flying into Southern California for your cruise? One of the most common questions cruisers ask is:

“What’s the best way to get from the airport to the cruise terminal?”

The answer depends on:

• Which airport you’re flying in to

• Your budget

• How much luggage you’re bringing

• Whether convenience or price matters most

For most cruise travelers, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are some of the easiest transportation options — especially from Long Beach Airport.

However, shuttle services can sometimes provide better value, especially for families, larger groups, or travelers sailing during busy cruise weekends.

⚓ If you’re planning a pre-cruise hotel stay, check out my guide to the best hotels near the Long Beach cruise port. The Best Hotels Near the Long Beach Cruise Port Terminal (Carnival Cruise Line)

Important: Long Beach vs. San Pedro Cruise Ports

Southern California actually has two major cruise terminal areas.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Primarily used by:

• Carnival Cruise Line

Port of Los Angeles

Used by:

• Royal Caribbean International

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises

⚓ Always double-check your cruise terminal before booking transportation.

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Best Transportation from LAX to the Cruise Port

For most travelers flying into Los Angeles International Airport, the easiest option is usually:

• Uber

• Lyft

• Pre-booked shuttle service

• Private transportation

The drive from LAX to the cruise terminals typically takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic

The drive from Long Beach airport to cruise terminals typically takes about 20-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Southern California traffic can vary significantly, especially on weekends and embarkation days so its always important to give yourself some extra time when traveling.

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Uber & Lyft: Convenient but Pricing Can Surge

For many cruise travelers, Uber and Lyft are fantastic options because they are:

• Easy to book

• Direct

• Convenient with luggage

• Often faster than shared shuttles

Typical rideshare pricing from LAX to the Long Beach cruise terminal is often around:

• $45–$60 depending on traffic and demand

However, pricing can increase quickly during:

• Busy cruise weekends

• Holiday sailings

• Airport rush periods

• Surge pricing times

• Large events in Los Angeles

⚓ Pro Tip: Sometimes a pre-booked shuttle can actually cost less than Uber or Lyft during peak travel times.

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Best Transportation from Long Beach Airport

If you’re cruising from Long Beach, Long Beach Airport is often the easiest airport option overall.

Why cruisers love Long Beach Airport:

• Smaller airport

• Easier security

• Faster baggage claim

• Less stressful than LAX

• Much closer to the cruise port

The cruise terminal is only about:

• 15–25 minutes away

• Roughly 5 miles depending on traffic

For most travelers, Uber or Lyft from Long Beach Airport is simple and affordable.

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Typical Transportation Costs (2026)

Transportation Type	Estimated Cost
Taxi from Los Angeles International Airport	Around $70–$90
Taxi from Long Beach Airport	Around $20–$30
Uber / Lyft from LAX	Around $45–$65 average
Uber/Lyft from Long Beach Airport	Around $20–$45 average
Shared Shuttle from LAX	Around $30–$55 per person
Shared Shuttle from Long Beach Airport	Around $25–$35 per person
Private Shuttle Service from LAX	Starting around $75–$100+
Private Shuttle Service from Long Beach Airport	Around $35 to $80+

⚓ Prices can change depending on:

• Traffic

• Demand

• Cruise season

• Number of passengers

• Time of day

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Popular Shuttle Companies for Cruise Travelers

If you prefer to pre-book transportation, several companies regularly service:

• LAX

• Long Beach Airport

• Long Beach Cruise Terminal

• San Pedro cruise terminals

  
  

Karmel Shuttle

Popular for:

• Airport transportation

• Disneyland-area transfers

• Cruise terminal transportation

  
  

24-7 Ride

Offers:

• Shared rides

• Private transfers

• Direct airport-to-port transportation

Long Beach Shuttle

A transportation company specifically focused on:

• Long Beach Cruise Terminal transfers

• LAX and Long Beach airport transportation

• San Pedro cruise transfers

They offer both shared and private shuttle options and are one of the more cruise-focused transportation services travelers frequently encounter when researching Long Beach cruise transportation.

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Best Transportation Options by Traveler Type

Traveler Type	Best Option
Families	Private shuttle or Uber XL
Couples	Uber/Lyft
Budget travelers	Shared shuttle
Large groups	Private shuttle
Travelers with lots of luggage	Private transportation

Cruise Transportation Tips

⚓ Fly in the day before your cruise whenever possible.

⚓ Southern California traffic can be unpredictable.

⚓ Compare Uber/Lyft pricing against shuttle pricing before booking.

⚓ Shared shuttles are often cheaper but may include multiple stops.

⚓ Long Beach Airport is often worth considering for easier cruise travel.

⚓ Always confirm which cruise terminal your ship uses before booking transportation.

Planning to explore ports before or after your cruise? Booking excursions ahead of time can sometimes save money compared to onboard pricing.

• Shore Excursions Group

• Viator Excursions

  
  

For most cruise travelers:

• Uber and Lyft are the easiest transportation options

• Shuttle services can offer better pricing during busy periods

• Long Beach Airport is usually the least stressful airport option

• Pre-booking transportation can help avoid surge pricing surprises

No matter how you get there, arriving at the cruise terminal stress-free is one of the best ways to start your vacation.