Flying into Los Angeles for a cruise sounds simple enough. Land at LAX, grab your bags and head for the ship.
The part worth planning is everything between the baggage carousel and the cruise terminal.
Los Angeles International Airport and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal are in different cities, and Southern California traffic can make travel times difficult to predict. Add luggage, a fixed cruise check-in window and several transportation choices at LAX, and a little advance planning can make a big difference.
If your cruise vacation begins with a flight into LAX, here is what to know before you arrive.
Where Is the Long Beach Cruise Terminal?
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located at 231 Windsor Way in Long Beach, California, next to the Queen Mary. Carnival identifies the facility as the Long Beach Cruise Terminal at the Queen Mary.
This distinction matters because there are two major cruise areas in the Los Angeles region.
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is in Long Beach, while the World Cruise Center is located across San Pedro Bay in San Pedro. They are not the same terminal, so always check your cruise documents before arranging transportation.
If your documents list the Long Beach Cruise Terminal or 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, you are headed to the terminal covered in this guide.
How Far Is LAX From the Long Beach Cruise Terminal?
LAX and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal are roughly 20 to 25 road miles apart, depending on the route taken.
Mileage, however, does not tell the full story in Los Angeles.
Travel time can change considerably based on the day of the week, time of day, freeway conditions, construction and traffic near the airport or port. That is why cruise travelers should avoid planning this connection based solely on the estimated drive time shown when they first search the route.
A better approach is to build extra time into your schedule.
Remember that your actual airport-to-ship timeline includes more than driving. You may need time to:
- Deplane and reach baggage claim
- Collect checked luggage
- Meet or locate your transportation
- Exit the LAX terminal area
- Travel to Long Beach
- Unload luggage and enter the cruise terminal
- Complete the cruise line’s check-in and boarding process
Your cruise line’s required arrival and boarding times should always take priority when deciding how much time you have available.
Should You Fly Into LAX the Same Day as Your Cruise?
Whenever your itinerary permits it, arriving in Southern California the day before your cruise gives you considerably more room for unexpected delays.
A same-day arrival puts two schedules together that you cannot fully control: your airline’s schedule and Southern California traffic.
A delayed flight, baggage issue or heavy freeway traffic can quickly consume a time cushion that looked generous when the trip was booked.
Travelers who arrive the previous day can stay near LAX, Long Beach or elsewhere in the area and arrange transportation to the cruise terminal the following day.
If you are flying into LAX on embarkation day, look carefully at your flight’s scheduled arrival and the cruise line’s final check-in requirements. Do not treat the ship’s departure time as your target arrival time.
What Are the Transportation Options From LAX to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal?
There is no single transportation choice that works for every cruise passenger.
The right option depends on the size of your party, amount of luggage, budget, arrival schedule and how much coordination you want to do after landing.
Prearranged Airport and Cruise Transportation
Prearranging your ride allows you to have the airport-to-port portion of the trip planned before leaving home.
Karmel Connect offers cruise transfer options that can connect travelers between airports, hotels and cruise terminals, including transportation for individuals, families and larger groups.
This can be particularly useful for cruise travel because luggage capacity matters just as much as passenger capacity.
A vehicle that technically seats your entire party may not be appropriate if everyone also has a large suitcase, carry-on and other cruise luggage.
Private Car Service
Couples, business travelers and smaller parties may prefer a private car service between LAX and Long Beach.
A private vehicle keeps your traveling party together and removes the need to arrange separate rides after landing. It can also make sense for travelers who want their airport and cruise transportation planned as part of the same itinerary.
Private Vans
Families and groups should look beyond the number of seats when selecting transportation.
Cruise passengers often travel with more luggage than they would for a short Southern California visit. A private van can provide additional passenger and baggage capacity for groups traveling together.
Keeping everyone in one vehicle can also simplify coordination when several people arrive on the same flight.
Shuttle Transportation
Depending on your itinerary and party size, a shuttle service may also be an option.
When comparing services, check whether the ride is private or shared, where pickup occurs and how luggage is handled. Those details can matter when you have a specific cruise check-in time to meet.
Taxis and Ride Apps
LAX also provides taxi and app-based transportation options.
One important detail for first-time LAX visitors is that many standard taxi and ride-app pickups take place at the LAX-it facility near Terminal 1. Passengers can walk there or use the airport’s free LAX-it shuttle from designated stops outside baggage claim.
LAWA notes that limousines, town cars and certain private transportation services operate differently and can use designated terminal-area pickup locations.
Because LAX transportation procedures can change as airport projects progress, check current airport instructions shortly before traveling.
What Is Pickup Like at LAX?
LAX is one of the country’s busiest airport environments, and knowing what happens after landing can save time.
First, determine your arrival terminal. Then follow the instructions provided for your specific transportation service.
If you have arranged transportation in advance, review your confirmation before the flight. It should provide the information you need to locate your pickup or connect with the transportation provider.
Do not assume that every transportation service uses LAX-it.
LAWA specifically states that LAX-it primarily serves taxis and standard ride-app pickups, while limousines, town cars and private vehicles can have different terminal pickup procedures.
How Much Time Should You Allow Between LAX and Your Cruise?
There is no universal answer because flight schedules, traffic and cruise check-in requirements vary.
Instead of asking, “How long is the drive?” consider asking, “How much time do I need from landing until I am ready to board?”
Those are two very different questions.
Your planning window should account for flight delays, deplaning, baggage claim, ground transportation pickup, airport traffic, the drive to Long Beach and cruise check-in.
For an international arrival, you may also need additional time for immigration and customs processing.
Most importantly, confirm your cruise line’s required check-in time and work backward from it.
If the timing feels tight on paper, it will probably feel even tighter once normal travel variables are added.
What If You Are Staying in Long Beach Before the Cruise?
Staying overnight in Long Beach can turn the airport-to-port trip into two much simpler transportation segments.
Instead of traveling directly from your flight to the ship, you can arrange transportation from LAX to your Long Beach hotel and then travel from the hotel to the cruise terminal the following day.
This approach can be especially useful for travelers coming from the East Coast, Midwest or an international destination where flight delays could otherwise put embarkation at risk.
It also gives you time to reorganize luggage, get some sleep and begin cruise morning already near the terminal.
What About Transportation Back to LAX After the Cruise?
The return trip deserves just as much planning as embarkation day.
When your ship returns to Long Beach, thousands of passengers may be leaving the terminal within a relatively short period. Some will be heading to hotels, while many others will be traveling directly to area airports.
If you are flying from LAX after disembarkation, avoid selecting a flight based only on the normal drive time from Long Beach.
You still need to leave the ship, collect your belongings, complete the applicable arrival process, meet your transportation, travel to LAX and complete airport security before reaching your gate.
Cruise lines often publish guidance about recommended flight departure times for passengers leaving the ship, so check the recommendations for your specific sailing before booking airfare.
Which Vehicle Should You Choose for a Cruise Transfer?
Start with people and luggage.
For one or two travelers, a private car may provide sufficient room. Families and groups carrying several large suitcases may need a van or larger vehicle.
If you are coordinating transportation for an extended family, wedding party, corporate group or other large party, passenger count becomes only one part of the equation. Flight arrival times, luggage volume and whether everyone needs to travel together should also factor into the plan.
When making a reservation, provide an accurate passenger count and consider how much luggage your party will bring.
Cruise luggage has a funny way of multiplying by the end of a vacation.
Quick Answers for LAX to Long Beach Cruise Travelers
What airport should I use for a Long Beach cruise?
Several Southern California airports may work depending on your flight options, but LAX offers a large selection of domestic and international service. If you fly into LAX, ground transportation is required to reach the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
Is the Long Beach Cruise Terminal the same as the Port of Los Angeles?
No. The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is located at 231 Windsor Way in Long Beach next to the Queen Mary. The World Cruise Center is located in San Pedro. Always verify the terminal listed on your cruise documents.
Can I take a ride app from LAX to the cruise terminal?
LAX provides access to authorized ride-app transportation. Standard ride-app pickups generally use the LAX-it facility next to Terminal 1, which passengers can reach on foot or by a free airport shuttle.
Can I arrange transportation before arriving at LAX?
Yes. Travelers can arrange airport and cruise transportation before their trip rather than finding a ride after landing.
Should I arrive in Los Angeles the day before my cruise?
Arriving the previous day provides additional protection against airline delays, baggage issues and traffic. If you must arrive on embarkation day, leave a substantial time cushion and follow your cruise line’s check-in requirements.
Can a group travel together from LAX to Long Beach?
Yes. Vans and larger vehicles can accommodate groups, although luggage capacity should be considered along with the number of passengers.
Plan the Airport-to-Port Connection Before You Fly
The flight and cruise may be the biggest pieces of your vacation, but the connection between them deserves its own plan.
Know which Long Beach terminal your ship uses. Check your cruise line’s boarding requirements. Give yourself room for airport and freeway delays. Most importantly, choose transportation that fits both your party and your luggage.
Karmel Connect can help coordinate airport, hotel and cruise transportation as part of the same trip. Travelers can review available vehicle types or reserve transportation online before arriving in Southern California.
With that piece of the itinerary handled in advance, you can spend less time figuring out Los Angeles logistics after landing and more time looking forward to the ship waiting in Long Beach.