Cruise Port Transportation from Los Angeles (LAX) Airport

Cruise Port Transportation from Los Angeles (LAX) Airport

Marko Jovanović, 16 Jun 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest in the Unites States, with flights arriving from many locations daily. Located about 20 miles southwest of downtown, LAX has multiple terminals serving different airlines. 

Many travelers use the Los Angeles Airport to City Centre route to reach the heart of the city before continuing on to cruise ports in Southern California. LAX Airport is also the best airport to Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro and Long Beach Cruise Port, offering a convenient starting point for cruise passengers.

Los Angeles draws people with its beaches, film industry, and West Coast location. It also plays a big part in cruise travel. Two major ports serve travelers who fly into LAX: the Los Angeles World Cruise Center in San Pedro and the Long Beach Cruise Port, used mainly by Carnival. These ports offer trips to Mexico, Hawaii, and other parts of the Pacific Coast.

  • The San Pedro port is about 40 km (25 miles) south of LAX. It hosts many cruise lines and serves both short and long voyages. The port offers parking, clear signs, and easy highway Access.
  • The Long Beach Cruise Port is 37 km (23 miles) from LAX, east of San Pedro. It mainly serves Carnival ships and features a dome-shaped terminal near downtown Long Beach.
Image by <a href=Sonja Czeschka from Pixabay" />

Image by Sonja Czeschka from Pixabay

Most cruises in Los Angeles leave from either the San Pedro Cruise Port, used by lines like Princess and Royal Caribbean, or the Long Beach Port, mainly for Carnival’s shorter trips. Both ports have parking. Cruises ending in LA often start in places like Florida, Hawaii, Asia, or along the Pacific Coast.

About the Airport

Official Name: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Location: About 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, California

Airport Facilities: LAX has several terminals. Each one serves different airlines. Travelers can find restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and car rental desks. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange counters, and luggage carts.

Private Cruise Transfers from LAX Airport to Los Angeles Cruise Ports

Los Angeles hosts two major cruise ports. Each year, thousands of travelers arrive, especially when cruise lines include Los Angeles in their Pacific routes.

AirportTransfer.com offers secure and private LAX Airport Limo Transfer service, connecting Los Angeles World Cruise Port (San Pedro) and Long Beach Cruise Port with hotels, airports and other city destinations. LAX cruise port transfer include one-way and round-trip rides for airport to port and port to airport connections, as well as transfers to and from surrounding hotels.

By pre-booking a car with a professional driver, you can stop waiting in taxi lines or joining public transport or ride-sharing queues such as Uber, Bolt and Waymo. Your driver will meet you at the port, help you with your bags and provide pick-ups and drop-offs between your LA hotel, home or LAX airport and the San Pedro Cruise Terminal or Long Beach Cruise Port.

Booking Los Angeles Cruise Port Transfers is simple on the AirportTransfer.com. You can book your transfer in advance, select from various vehicle types and pay online. This way, you can avoid LA traffic and expensive cruise parking with AT transfers to Los Angeles Harbour. All bookings include free cancellation and 100% refunds when canceled up to 48 hours before pickup.

You can also download the AT apps from the AirportTransfer App from the Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store to make booking easy.

<b>Los Angeles Cruise Port Transfers</b>

Los Angeles Cruise Port Transfers

icon

Bus Transfers to Los Angeles Cruise Ports from Group Travel

AT offers Bus Rental in Los Angeles tailored for larger groups. Group transfers to and from San Pedro Cruise Port and Long Beach Cruise Port are available for those arriving at Los Angeles Airport or heading there after their cruise.

Our private bus service removes the hassle of coordinating multiple vehicles or using shared shuttles. It’s ideal for tour groups, business teams, or big families who want to travel together in one ride.

You can select from a variety of buses, minibuses, or large vans based on your group size. A professional driver will meet you at the terminal, help with luggage, and take you straight to your ship or flight.

Book your Bus Rental in Los Angeles on our website or reach out via email at at@airporttransfer.com. Prices are set upfront—no hidden fees or surprises.

<b>Group Transfers from LAX Airport to Cruise Port</b>

Group Transfers from LAX Airport to Cruise Port

Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Port

Image by <a href=Michał from Pixabay" />

Image by Michał from Pixabay

San Pedro Cruise Terminal, officially called the World Cruise Center, sits along the Port of Los Angeles. It’s one of the busiest cruise ports on the U.S. West Coast. Several major cruise lines operate from this terminal, offering sailings to popular destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Panama Canal.

The World Cruise Center is at 100 E. Swinford St., San Pedro, CA. It's open all day, every day. From LAX, it’s about 20 miles and takes 30–40 minutes to reach by car. From Long Beach Airport, it’s around 19 miles and usually takes 22–30 minutes. You can view San Pedro cruise port map here.  

Cruise port parking is available directly at the terminal. The first hour is free. After that, the cost is $2 per hour, up to $19 for the first day. Each extra day is also $19. Oversized vehicles that occupy more than one space are charged per space.

Cruise lines that depart from San Pedro include:

Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Catalina Express.

For travelers planning to stay in the area before or after their cruise, San Pedro offers several nearby hotels. The five closest to the cruise terminal include:

  1. Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel
  2. Best Western Plus San Pedro Hotel & Suites
  3. DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro – Port of Los Angeles
  4. Sunrise Hotel San Pedro
  5. All Star Inn

You can use Los Angeles hotel transfer services to avoid the hassle of finding taxis or public transport between the airport, your hotel and the cruise port.

So, how do you get from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal? You can use bus, train and taxi to get from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal. You can also book the LAX Airport Taxi option in advance to transfer from Los Angeles Airport to the San Pedro Cruise Terminal, helping you avoid long waits and ensuring a smoother transition between the airport and cruise departure.

<b>Los Angeles Airport Transfers to San Pedro Cruise Terminal</b>

Los Angeles Airport Transfers to San Pedro Cruise Terminal

icon

Bus from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal

Journey Time: The full trip from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the San Pedro Cruise Terminal takes around 2 hours and 42 minutes. This trip includes multiple transfers. There is no direct bus to the cruise terminal. You’ll need to switch lines and take a short ride from San Pedro to the cruise port once you arrive.

Key Point: Start your trip at LAX. Take the Greenline Shuttle (G Shuttle) from Terminal 4 (Lower Level). It runs between terminals and ends at Aviation/LAX Station.

From Aviation/LAX Station, walk to Aviation/Imperial Station. Then take the Metro Rail C Line towards Harbor Freeway Station. Once you arrive, walk to the Harbor Transitway stop.

At Harbor Transitway, take a bus heading south and get off at Harbor Gateway Transit Center in Torrance.

Now take Bus 205 from Harbor Gateway Transit Center. This bus runs through several stops along Vermont Avenue, Pacific Coast Highway, and Western Avenue. You’ll get off at 7th Street and Gaffey Street in San Pedro.

When you arrive at 7th and Gaffey, you’re in San Pedro. But the cruise terminal is not right there. You'll need to take another transfer option to reach the cruise terminal.

Bus Fare from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal

The total bus fare from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal is around $21 per person.

icon

Train from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal

Journey Time: The trip from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the San Pedro Cruise Terminal takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes. There is no direct train to the cruise port. You will need a short extra ride from San Pedro to the terminal.

Key Point: Begin at LAX. From your terminal, take the free Greenline Shuttle (G Shuttle) to Aviation/LAX Station.

From Aviation/LAX, walk to Aviation/Imperial Station. Then take the Metro C Line (Light Rail) heading east. Get off at Harbor Freeway Station. This rail trip takes around 10 minutes.

At Harbor Freeway Station, transfer to the Harbor Transitway stop. There, board the Metro J Line (Express Bus) heading south. Ride it to Pacific / 3rd in San Pedro.

Once you arrive at Pacific / 3rd, you are in San Pedro. But the cruise terminal is not at that stop. You’ll need to take a bus, taxi, or rideshare to reach the terminal.

Train Fare from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal

The total train fare from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal is about $21 per person.

icon

Taxi from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal

Journey Time: The taxi ride from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the San Pedro Cruise Terminal takes around 24 minutes.

Key Point: You can get a taxi at the designated taxi ranks outside the arrivals area at LAX. Regular taxis can carry up to 6 passengers. All trips from the airport include a $4 (€3.80) airport fee. Traffic can affect travel time. Most drivers use meters, and the final price depends on the road conditions and time of day. It's common to give the driver a 15–20% tip.

Taxi Fare from Los Angeles Airport to San Pedro Cruise Terminal

The total fare for a one-way taxi from LAX to the San Pedro Cruise Terminal is around $130–170 (€120–155).

Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port

Image by <a href=Erich Westendarp from Pixabay" />

Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay

Long Beach Cruise Terminal is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation. It sits beside the historic Queen Mary and serves as a gateway to cruises heading to Mexico and beyond. The nearby Port of Los Angeles is just a short drive away. Travelers often stop in Long Beach for shopping, dining, or sightseeing before cruise departures.

The cruise terminal is located at 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. It operates daily and offers direct access to ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the drive to Long Beach Cruise Port takes about 40 minutes, covering around 22 miles. From Long Beach Airport (LGB), the drive is shorter—just 11 miles and usually 20–25 minutes. You can view Long Beach Cruise port map here.  

Long Beach Cruise Terminal offers parking in a multi-level garage. Daily parking costs $23 (rates may change). The first 30 minutes are free. Parking from 31 to 59 minutes costs $4, and 1 to 2 hours costs $8. The garage height limit is 7 feet.

If you need something to do before your cruise? Long Beach offers many attractions. The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Museum of Art, and Museum of Latin American Art are close by. For shopping, The Pike Outlets in downtown Long Beach offer many name-brand stores. If you prefer something different, check out Retro Row on 4th Street or explore the East Village Arts District, Belmont Shore, or Bixby Knolls.

Cruise lines that depart from Long Beach Cruise Port:

Mexico (Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera), Hawaii, Panama Canal, Mexico (Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera), Hawaii and Panama Canal.

Carnival ships that often sail from Long Beach include Carnival Radiance, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Firenze. The terminal serves as one of Carnival’s key homeports on the U.S. West Coast

Long Beach has many hotel options near the cruise terminal. The five closest include:

  1. Hyatt Regency Long Beach
  2. Hotel Maya – a DoubleTree by Hilton
  3. Residence Inn by Marriott Long Beach Downtown
  4. The Westin Long Beach
  5. Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown

You can use Los Angeles hotel transfer services, which help you avoid finding taxis or public transport. Your driver takes you between the airport, your hotel, and the cruise port directly.

So, how do you get from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port? You can use bus, train and taxi to get from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port. Booking an LAX Airport Limo Transfer ahead of time gets you from Los Angeles Airport to the San Pedro Cruise Terminal, avoiding long waits and smoothing your departure.

<b>Los Angeles Airport Taxi to Long Beach Cruise Port</b>

Los Angeles Airport Taxi to Long Beach Cruise Port

icon

Bus from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port

Journey Time: Traveling by bus from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Long Beach Cruise Port takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Key Point: There is no direct bus from LAX to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. First, take the Green Line Shuttle from the airport terminals to the Aviation/Imperial Metro Station in Inglewood. The shuttle ride lasts around 6 to 9 minutes.

At Aviation/Imperial Station, transfer to the Metro Bus Line 232. This bus travels south through many stops, including Pacific Coast Highway and Anaheim, before reaching Downtown Long Beach Station after about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

From Downtown Long Beach Station, switch to Bus Line 121, which takes around 6 minutes to reach the Long Beach Cruise Terminal near the port.

Bus Fare from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port

The full bus fare from LAX to the cruise terminal is approximately $20 per person.

icon

Train from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port

Journey Time: The train and bus trip from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Long Beach Cruise Port takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Key Point: There is no direct train to the cruise terminal from LAX. First, take the Green Line Shuttle from LAX terminals to Aviation/Imperial Station. This shuttle ride takes about 5 to 6 minutes.

At Aviation/Imperial Station, board the Metro C Line (Green) train toward Willowbrook-Rosa Parks Station. The train ride lasts around 14 minutes.

From Willowbrook-Rosa Parks Station, switch to the Metro A Line (Blue) train toward Long Beach. Ride this train for about 30 minutes and get off at 1st Street Station in Long Beach.

From 1st Street Station, take the Line 121 bus toward Catalina Landing. This bus takes about 6 minutes and stops near the Long Beach Cruise Port.

Train Fare from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port

The combined train and bus fare from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port is about $23 per person.

icon

Taxi from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port

Journey Time: The taxi ride from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Long Beach Cruise Port takes about 31 minutes.

Key Point: You can find taxis outside the arrivals area at LAX. The trip covers approximately 34 kilometers. Taxi fares include a $4 airport surcharge. Prices usually range from $140 to $180 for a standard vehicle that seats up to 6 passengers. It is common to give the driver a 15-20% tip.

Taxi Fare from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port

The total taxi fare from Los Angeles Airport to Long Beach Cruise Port is between $140 and $180.

The best Los Angeles Airport transfer reviews at AirportTransfer.com!