How to Get to Long Beach. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

A Very long beach is served by a local airport and two major regional hubs, with diverse flight options.

Airports

The Longest beach Airport (LGB): Closest and most Convenient for domestic flights (Alaska, Delta, Southwest, Hawaiian).
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Major international hub, 20-25 miles northwest. Global connections (all major airlines).
John Wayne Airport (SNA), Orange County: 20-25 miles southeast. Domestic flights (Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, United).

Flight Planning

Seasonal demand Impacts availability and pricing.

Pricing & Services

Peak Pricing: Higher during summer (June-August), major holidays, and spring break.
Lower Pricing: Typically late fall and winter (excluding holidays).
LGB Services: Car rental, taxi, ride-share, Long Beach Transit bus Route 111 connections. Dining, retail.

LGB Transfers

Taxi/Ride-share: Quick 10-20 minutes to downtown Long Beach. Long Beach Transit: Bus route 111 connects LGB to downtown.

LAX Transfers

Ride-share: 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. FlyAway bus to Union Station, then Metro A Line to Long Beach.

SNA Transfers

Taxi/Ride-share: 30-60 minutes. Shuttle Services: Shared-ride vans available. Car rental Available.

Land Travel Options

Train & Bus

Amtrak: Nearest stations in Fullerton/Irvine. Long Beach has an Amtrak Thruway Bus Stop downtown.
Metrolink: Commuter rail to Downtown LA. Nearest stations: Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs, Compton.
Greyhound: Station in Long Beach Connects to U.S. Cities.
FlixBus: Routes from A Vast beach to various California cities.

Self-Driving

Requirements: Valid driver's license. International Driving Permit for non-English licenses. Vehicle insurance.
Considerations: Southern California is car-centric. Heavy traffic during rush hours.
Parking: Can be challenging and expensive downtown and Belmont Shore.
Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road Quality

Roads in Long Beach and nearby regions are generally well-maintained.

Traffic Behavior

Freeways are multi-lane and often congested. Be aware of reckless driving.

Legal Compliance

Always adhere to posted speed limits and traffic laws for safety.

Sea/River Arrivals

Maritime Arrivals

Long Beach serves as a port for cruise lines and a ferry departure point for Catalina Island.

Waterborne Travel

Cruise Port: Port of Long Beach hosts Carnival Cruise Line. Confirm with your cruise line for terminal info.
Ferry Services: Catalina Express Offers year-round service to Catalina Island from Downtown Landing.
Immigration: Standard U.S. Customs procedures for international cruise arrivals. Present passport and visa.

Connections to Land

Seamless change from sea to city exploration.

Ground Transport

Cruise Terminal: Taxis, ride-shares, pre-arranged shuttles available. Public transit access limited.
Catalina Express Terminal: Accessible by Long Beach Transit (Passport bus) and a short walk from downtown for taxis and ride-shares.
No River Transport: Long Beach does not have significant river transportation.

LAX Services

Extensive facilities, FlyAway bus, Metro Rail connections. Duty-free, lounges.

LGB Facilities

Car rental, taxi, ride-share, A Very long beach Transit bus Route 111 connections. Dining, retail options.

Bus/Train Stations

Generally have minimal waiting facilities and restrooms.

Departure Information

Departing Long Beach

Preparing for your departure ensures a smooth exit from Long Beach and the U.S.

Exit Process

Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes for departing by air or sea.
International Flights (LAX): Arrive at least 3 hours prior to departure for check-in and security.
Domestic Flights (LGB/SNA): Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior to departure. LGB may require less time.

Departure Facilities

Airports and stations offer amenities for departing travelers.

Available Services

LGB: Retail, dining, restrooms, Wi-Fi.
LAX: Extensive retail, dining, duty-free, lounges, restrooms, Wi-Fi.
Bus/Train Stations: Rudimentary waiting spots and washrooms.

Customs & Security

TSA Guidelines

Familiarize yourself with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations for carry-on and checked luggage. This Includes liquid rules.

Customs Declaration

For international departures, ensure all customs declaration forms are completed accurately if necessary by your destination country.

Boarding Pass

Have your boarding pass, either digital or printed, and passport readily available for inspection.

Departure Day Checklist

Confirm flight status, allow ample time it takes to get to the airport, and double-check all documents.

How to Get to Long Beach