USDLong Beach Cruise Terminal — Airport Shuttle Booking
Port of Long Beach (Cruise Terminal) — Ground Transportation Guide
The Port of Long Beach is home to Carnival Cruise Line's West Coast hub, operating from a terminal at the Queen Mary basin. Carnival Panorama, Radiance, and other ships sail year-round to the Mexican Riviera and the Pacific Coast. From Long Beach (LGB) the terminal is just 4 miles (~10 min); from Los Angeles (LAX) it's 22 miles (~45 minutes); from John Wayne (SNA) it's 30 miles (~45 minutes).
Routes & distances
| Route / airport | Path | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| LGB | Long Beach Airport | 4 mi | 10 min |
| LAX | Los Angeles International | 22 mi | 45–60 min |
| SNA | John Wayne (Orange County) | 30 mi | ~45 min |
| ONT | Ontario International | 45 mi | ~1h |
Transfer options & typical 2026 pricing
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared shuttle van | $25–$45 per person from LAX; $15–$25 from LGB | scheduled, multi-stop |
| Lyft / Uber from LAX | $45–$80 (surge common) | 45–60 min direct |
| Taxi from LAX | $70–$95 + tolls | 45–60 min |
| Private sedan from LAX (1–3 pax) | $135–$165 | fixed price, meet-and-greet |
| Private SUV from LAX (4–6 pax) | $185–$245 | luggage friendly |
| Long Beach Transit bus (LGB only) | $1.25 | 20 min, transit pass needed for harbor stop |
Pickup logistics
The Carnival cruise terminal entrance is at the foot of Queens Way Bridge, next to the historic Queen Mary. Drop-off happens at the terminal's covered porte-cochère; bag drop is outside the building. From LAX, ride-share pickup is at the LAX-it lot; private cars meet at baggage claim. Plan to arrive between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM for a typical Sunday 4 PM Carnival departure.
Nearby
The Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Pike Outlets, and the Long Beach Convention Center are all within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Catalina Express ferries to Avalon depart from a terminal a half-mile north of the Carnival pier.
Frequently asked questions
Should I fly into LAX or LGB for a Long Beach cruise?
LGB is much closer (4 miles vs. 22) and usually has shorter security lines. LAX often has more flight options and lower fares. For most travelers LGB is the easier choice; only pick LAX if it saves significantly on the flight.
How long is the drive from LAX to Long Beach cruise terminal?
45–60 minutes via I-405 South, depending on time of day. Avoid arriving at LAX during weekday afternoon rush; ground transfer can stretch to 90 minutes.
Where do Carnival cruises from Long Beach go?
Carnival operates Mexican Riviera (Cabo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta) and Pacific Coast itineraries year-round from Long Beach. Pier turnaround day is typically Sunday.
Is there a free shuttle from LGB to the cruise terminal?
No — Carnival doesn't operate a complimentary shuttle. A taxi or ride-share from LGB is $15–$25 (10 minutes); shared van from LAX is $25–$45 per person.
Can I park at the cruise terminal?
Yes — the terminal has a parking lot at $20/day (cash or card). Off-port lots near the airport offer $9–$13/day with shuttle service.
Where do ride-shares pick up at LAX?
At the LAX-it lot, accessible via free shuttle from each terminal's outer curb. From LAX-it, the trip to Long Beach cruise terminal takes 45–60 minutes.
