Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) International Airport, commonly known as Sea-Tac Airport, is 13 miles south of downtown Seattle and a similar distance from the cruise port. Seattle cruises depart from different piers along the Elliott Bay waterfront so distances and ways of getting to your cruise ship from Seattle Airport depend upon which pier your cruise is departing from.

If you are cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) or Oceania Cruises, they depart Pier 66 (Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal). This pier is right on the waterfront a short walk from Pike Place Market and the downtown district. It is about 13 miles from Seattle Airport (14.5 miles if you use I-5) and the journey by road takes at least 30 minutes.

If you are cruising Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity, Holland America, Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean cruise lines, you will be departing from Pier 91 (Smith Cove Terminal) which is at the north end of the Port of Seattle. It is 16 miles north of Seattle Airport (19 miles via I-5) and you should allow 36-48 minutes if you are traveling by road.

To further add to the complications, Port of Seattle is currently creating a new cruise terminal at Pier 46. This is at the south end of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle. It is scheduled to begin to be operational for the summer 2020 cruise season. This brand new cruise terminal will take over serving most of the main cruise lines for cruises to Alaska and East Coast USA. It is 12 miles north of Seattle Airport and the journey by road takes about 25 minutes.

Whichever cruise terminal you need for your cruise departure, there are several options for getting to the pier from Seattle Airport, so let’s check them all out!

Taxi, Uber or Lyft from Seattle Airport

The easiest and possibly quickest way to get from Seattle Airport to the cruise port is by taxi, Uber or Lyft from the airport. A metered taxi ride would typically cost around $50 for the ride (not per person) so if you are traveling as a group, it can work out quite economically.

At peak times when the city traffic is heavy, the cost can be more. Remember to state which pier your cruise is departing from as there is about four miles difference between Pier 46 at the south end of Elliott Bay and Pier 91 at the north end. 

As this is a private transport service, you can ask your driver to make any stops if you need to pick up snacks or drinks before checking in for your cruise. Drivers are also very helpful with handling your luggage which is particularly beneficial if you are disabled, elderly, traveling with children, or simply have a lot of heavy bags that need loading and unloading.

Private limo from Seattle Airport to cruise port

If you want to travel in comfort and luxury from Seattle Airport to the cruise ship, the ultimate way is by luxury limo or chauffeur-driven Town Car. Contact Starline Town Car and Limo Service to make a booking.

Group Transfers from Seattle Airport

Groups of 7-30 passengers can book a private car service from the airport to the cruise port using a luxury SUV, van, minibus, stretch Limo or Hummer. These are also available from Starline Town Car and Limo Service.

Cruise line transfers

Many cruise lines offer a cruise transfer service between Seattle Airport and the cruise port. However, this will only operate on the day of your cruise departure. It will be by shared coach or minibus and you will need to pre-book your seat with the cruise line ahead of time. Prices are not cheap. They are per person and typically range from $25 (NCL) to $79 (Oceania) with most cruise lines charging $27-$30 per person each way.

Link Light Railway

The Link Light Railway (Metro) has a stop at Sea-Tac Airport and runs to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington (UW). There are 14 stops altogether and the total journey takes 38 minutes (slightly less from Seattle Airport to downtown). Although it is cheap and convenient, the service involves some walking or a taxi service at either end and it could be difficult for those with heavy luggage.

• The
  nearest stop to Pier 66 (Bell Street) is Westlake Station with a short taxi
  ride or 20 minute walk to the cruise ship.

• The
  nearest stop to Pier 91 (Smith Cove) is University Street Station. From there
  you need to take a taxi, catch the 33 Bus to Magnolia Bridge and then a 4
  minute walk to the cruise pier.

• The
  nearest stop to the new Pier 46 cruise terminal is the International
  District/Chinatown Station with a 0.6 mile walk or taxi ride to Pier 46 cruise
  terminal. There are plans for a future station closer to the cruise terminal.

After baggage claim in Seattle Airport, follow the signs for Link Light Rail. You will be directed across the Skybridge to the parking garage to reach the Link station about 1/4 mile distance. For those who have mobility issues, there is a free electric shuttle that runs between the airport and the Link station. If you require a wheelchair, call Prospect Airport Services on 206-246-1550 and arrange a personal wheelchair service ahead of time. 

Link offers a regular service, running trains every 6 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes in quieter times. It operates from 5am to 1am Monday through Saturday and 6am to midnight Sundays.

Fares are very modest, ranging from $2.25 to $3.25 one-way, depending on the distance traveled. Seniors and disabled fares are $1 for all trips.

You can book tickets ahead of time using the Transportation app or simply pay cash when you board. The driver does not carry change, so have some small denomination notes with you. The fare is currently $3 per person.

Get off at University Street Station on 3^rd Ave which is close to Pier 66 Bell Street Cruise Terminal or Pioneer Square which is just a short walk from the new Pier 46 cruise terminal.

Hotel shuttle service

If you are flying into Seattle Airport ready for your cruise, you will probably want to arrive a few days early to avoid any possible delays that may cause you to miss your luxury cruise to Alaska.

Why not book a night or two in a hotel in downtown Seattle close to the cruise terminal? Many hotels offer a free airport shuttle service to meet you on arrival at the airport and transport you and your luggage to the hotel using a courtesy bus.

Some hotels also offer a courtesy bus to the cruise port the following morning, so you get both legs of your transfer – from Seattle Airport to the hotel, and the hotel to the cruise port – without having to pay a penny! Other hotels may offer transportation to the cruise port for a nominal fee, or you can take a taxi for the short distance.

Check out some of the best hotels in Seattle for cruisers and choose a hotel that is convenient for your cruise departure, which may be from from Pier 91 (Smith Cove Cruise Terminal) or the downtown Pier 66 (Bell St Cruise Terminal) depending on which cruise line you are sailing with.

Hotel Shuttle and walk

Some hotels such as the Edgewater Hotel are right on the waterfront on Elliott Bay, just a few steps from the cruise ships. You can easily walk the short distance from the hotel to the cruise check-in towing your own luggage as it is almost as close as the taxi drop-off point.

Hotel shuttle and taxi

You may prefer to choose a hotel in downtown Seattle that offers a courtesy shuttle service to and from Seattle Airport. Hyatt Place Seattle and the Inn at the Market are well-located hotels in downtown Seattle with a shuttle service for guests. You can enjoy all the fun and experience on offer around the hotel, such as shopping, dining,  bars, entertainment and cultural attractions such as visiting Pike Place Market.

When it’s time to head to your cruise ship, you can book a hotel shuttle transfer or get a taxi or Uber for the short journey to the cruise port. If you are cruising out of Pier 66 (Bell Street Cruise Terminal) on the waterfront, the journey is about one mile. Pier 91 is a little further away but the taxi or Uber ride will take less than 15 minutes, even in city traffic.

If you are cruising out of the new Pier 46 Cruise Terminal, consider staying at a hotel near Seattle Airport. Accommodation is generally cheaper than in the downtown district. If the hotel does not offer a courtesy shuttle service to downtown Seattle, you can use a taxi, Uber or hop aboard the Link Light Railway. Get off at University Street Station on 3^rd Ave which is close to Pier 66 Bell Street Cruise Terminal or Pioneer Square which is just a short walk from the new Pier 46 cruise terminal.

Use the Seattle Port Valet Cruise Service

Seattle Airport and the Port of Seattle offer a useful PortValet service for cruisers when they disembark. Their luggage can be transferred directly from the ship to the airport and will be checked-through to your final destination (USA airports and certain airlines only).

Participating airlines include:

• Alaska
• American
• Delta
• Horizon
• JetBlue
• Southwest
• United

If you want to take advantage of this free Port Valet service, you must apply during your cruise by filling in the form in your stateroom or at the Guest Relations Desk. On the final night of your cruise your luggage tags and boarding pass will be delivered to your stateroom. Leave your labeled bags outside the cabin door for collection and transfer to the airport. They will be checked through to your final destination and the next time you see your bags will be on the airport carousel.

This excellent service allows you to enjoy exploring downtown Seattle attractions before you head to the airport without having your luggage with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Port of Los Angeles, in addition to being a major commercial port, is also one of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and even Carnival all call the World Cruise Center there home. If you’re leaving on a cruise of the Pacific, odds are good that you’ll be leaving from Los Angeles.

With such a major cruise port, most travelers will be flying in from other cities and states. For these people, the cruise lines offer shuttle services that pick them up at the airport and take them right to the cruise terminal, then on their return pick them up at the cruise terminal and take them straight back to the airport.

But Los Angeles is a huge city in the middle of one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the country. That means there are plenty of people taking cruises from Los Angeles who won’t be flying in to the city. While you could take public transportation- Los Angeles has extensive train and bus systems- hauling all of your luggage onto and off of trains and buses is a huge hassle, both for you and for the other passengers.

Having friends or family drop you off and pick you up is also an option, and for many people this is the preferred way to get to and from your cruise. It just won’t work for everyone, though. Getting people to pick you up and drop you off means you have to find people with the time to drive to the Port and back. Los Angeles is a huge city, and if you live in the suburbs the drive is even farther. It may be difficult to find someone with the time to do that.

Uber and Lyft could end up being expensive, too, since the drive may be long and the traffic is usually terrible. Both services charge by time and by distance, so bad traffic makes any ride more expensive. Not to mention that you don’t know if your luggage (or your family) will fit in the car until it arrives.

If you live in the area, or in a nearby city, driving your own car may be the easiest, most convenient way for you to get to and from the Port of Los Angeles for your cruise. The only question left for you is what to do with your car while you’re on the cruise. Fortunately for you, this is a major Port in a city known for it’s car-centric lifestyle. There are plenty of parking options available near the Port for you.

We’ll cover each of the parking options you can choose from in detail so that you can choose for yourself which one is best for you.

Parking at the World Cruise Center

The Port of Los Angeles is a working commercial Port, and there are residential neighborhoods right next to it. That leaves little room for parking, unlike most ports. Still, the World Cruise Center has managed to carve out an area for its own parking.

The parking lot for the World Cruise Center has plenty of spaces, and you should have no trouble finding a spot there. There is security provided for this lot, too, so you should feel perfectly comfortable leaving your vehicle here.

Parking here costs $17 per day, or $32 per day for oversized vehicles. It seems like a steep price at first, but it’s actually very reasonably priced compared to most cruise ports. You can pay in cash or with a card, and you don’t pay until you’re leaving.

Note that this parking lot is not covered. In Los Angeles, that’s not usually a problem- the weather is rarely bad enough that your car needs to be covered while you’re cruising. Still, if leaving your car for a week in an uncovered parking lot makes you uncomfortable, this lot may not be your first choice.

You also can’t reserve a parking space in advance here. All parking is first come first serve. It’s a big enough parking lot that this isn’t likely to cause problems.

Battleship Iowa

Located right next to the World Cruise Center Parking lot, the parking lot at the Battleship Iowa Museum is free for the first hour, and then costs $2 per hour after that, with a maximum cost of $19 per day.

The pricing is similar to the World Cruise Center pricing, and it’s right next to it. Also, like the Cruise Center lot, there are no reservations. You just show up, find a spot, and park. Payment is via cash or card upon exiting the lot. If the parking lot for the Cruise Center is full, this is a great backup option.

Catalina Sea and Air Terminal

Located directly across from the Cruise Center, the Catalina Sea and Air terminal mainly offers transportation to and from Catalina Island. It also has a very large parking lot, however, and that lot is open for any public use, whether you are using the terminal or not.

Like the parking at the Battleship Iowa, the parking at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal is free for the first hour, and then costs $2 per hour after that, with a maximum cost of $19 per day. This parking isn’t as conveniently located as the Battleship or Cruise Center parking, but it’s still well within walking distance of the Cruise Center. If the closer parking lots are full, this is an excellent option.

Hotel Parking

The price of parking at the Port of Los Angeles is pretty reasonable, it does still add up. For a week-long cruise, you’ll be paying at least $120 for parking on top of all the other expenses for your cruise. If you’re staying in Los Angeles for an extra day or two before or after your cruise, your hotel may help you out.

A lot of the hotels near the Port offer deals to cruise-goers who book with them. You can park there for free for the duration of the cruise as long as you book at least one night in one of their rooms. If you’re already planning to spend a night in a hotel in Los Angeles for the trip, this is a no-brainer. The hotel will shuttle you to the Port for your cruise and pick you up on the day you get back.

Normally, these hotels will charge a bit extra for that service. If you’re taking a shorter cruise, it may not be any cheaper to use the hotel’s parking than it is to use the Port’s parking. It could still be much more convenient, though, if you’re already going to need a hotel room.

DoubleTree San Pedro offers parking and a shuttle service to the Port of Los Angeles, but they will not shuttle you to the Port of Long Beach. The Crowne Plaza Harbor LA offers valet parking for up to fifteen days, two welcome drinks, and two free breakfast buffets along with their parking and shuttle service. This is great for couples, but not so good for families.

The Sunrise Hotel offers a shuttle service and continental breakfast as part of their parking package. Best Western Plus San Pedro includes seven days of parking and charges $10 for each additional day, if needed. Depending on when you book with them, they may require you to book a minimum of two nights to qualify for the parking package.

Make sure that the hotel you book with will shuttle you to the right port. Some hotels will only shuttle you to the Port of Long Beach, not the Port of Los Angeles. It’s also worth your while to look at the cost of getting a package deal at the hotel and compare it to the cost of parking at the port for the duration of your cruise. For longer cruises, the hotel is probably cheaper, but for shorter cruises that may not be true.

Hotel parking in general is only a good idea if you are already booking a hotel to stay in Los Angeles before or after your cruise. No matter how long the cruise is, the cost of the hotel plus the cost of their parking and shuttle service will be more expensive than the cost of parking at the Port. You only save money with hotel parking if you were booking a hotel anyway.

Free Parking Options

The parking options we’ve covered already are excellent- they offer convenience and security, but they can be expensive. For the budget-minded traveler they can easily be too much. Fortunately, there are plenty of free parking options available, if you know where to look.

Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles

Crafted is a market specializing in handmade goods from local artisans. They also offer classes from those artisans. It’s best feature, though, is its free parking. You’ll have to walk a bit to get from the parking lot here to the cruise terminal, but the payoff is that you won’t be paying for parking at all.

If you prefer not to walk, you could simply park here and take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi up to the Cruise Center. It’ll still be cheaper than paying for parking.

San Pedro Fish Market

For free parking much closer to the Cruise Center than Crafted, head to the San Pedro Fish Market. This world-famous seafood restaurant is perfect for parking before your cruise because you can also grab a delicious lunch before boarding your ship.

While this is much closer to the Cruise Center than Crafted, it’s still not all that close. Walking is definitely doable, but you may still want to consider getting a ride.

22nd and Miner Streets Lot

If you feel a little nervous about using a business’s parking lot while you’re away on a cruise, check out the parking lot at 22nd Street and Miner Street. This is a free public parking lot operated by the City. It’s further from the Cruise Center than the other options, but it has easier access to public transportation. You will definitely want to get a ride from here to the Cruise Center.

On most days, this lot is free. If there’s a major event happening in the area, there may be a $5 fee for that day, but you would only be charged if you enter the lot on that day.

Conclusion

If you’re driving yourself to the Port of Los Angeles for your cruise vacation, there are plenty of parking options to choose from. The World Cruise Center has its own parking lot, and that lot is hands-down the most convenient option. It’s right there at the cruise terminal, making it as easy as possible to get from the car to the ship, and then from the ship to the car when you return.

When you’re returning home from a trip, exhausted and ready to get home as quickly as possible, nothing beats the convenience of stepping off the ship and having your car right there, waiting for you. However, parking spots here can’t be reserved and may fill up before you arrive.

If that happens, the Battleship Iowa Museum, located next to the cruise terminal, also has a parking lot that you can use. The pricing is similar to the cruise terminal’s parking lot and, while you’ll need to walk a little bit further, the distance isn’t all that different.

If both of those lots are full, you can park at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal across from the Cruise Center for the same price as the Battleship Iowa parking. It’s less convenient, but it’s still an easy walking distance to the cruise terminal.

Of course, all three of those lots cost money, and that price can add up quickly. For a week-long cruise you’re looking at least $120. Free parking is available, but the trade-off is that none of the free parking lots are within easy walking distance of the Cruise Terminal.

The San Pedro Fish Market parking lot is the closest of the free parking lots, and has the added benefit of being the parking lot for a world-class seafood restaurant. You can grab a great lunch before your cruise. Crafted is the next closest, but it’s pretty far away. You’ll definitely want to get an Uber or Lyft from that parking lot to the cruise terminal.

The lot at 22nd Street and Mariner street is usually free ($5 on days when there are events nearby), and it’s slightly farther than the lot at Crafted, although not by much. Again, you’ll want a ride from here to the Cruise Center.

The free parking lots are really going to be free for you- you’ll need to pay for a ride from there to the Cruise Terminal. Still, that ride will cost less than the paid parking would. For travelers on a budget, these might be a good choice.

Finally, if you’re already planning to book a hotel room in Los Angeles for a night before or after your trip, choose one that offers a parking package. These hotels will allow you to leave your car in their parking lot, as long as you’ve booked a room with them. They’ll shuttle you to and from the cruise terminal, too. Just pay attention when booking- the parking isn’t free, and several hotels have a limit on how many days you can leave your car there. For shorter cruises, you likely won’t save any money this way (though it might still be more convenient), but for a weeklong cruise, it’s definitely a good choice.

Also Read: Full Guide on Long Beach Cruise Terminal Parking

As you can see, there is plenty of parking in or near the Port of Los Angeles. The parking lot you choose all depends on the duration of your cruise, your budget, and your overall vacation plans.

Frequently Asked Questions on Port of Los Angeles Parking

If you’re flying into Los Angeles to take a cruise out of Long Beach, getting from the airport to the cruise terminal can be challenging. Depending on which route you take, the airport is between 22 and 26 miles from the cruise terminal, so you definitely can’t walk.

Fortunately, this is LA, and there are plenty of transportation options for you to choose from. We’ll cover all of the options for you in this article, as well as the different routes that can be taken from LAX to Long Beach Port.

Routes

Before you choose your transportation, it’s helpful to know what route you’ll be taking. There are three main routes that people choose, although if you’re using Google maps you may be directed along neighborhood roads and scenic routes to avoid traffic.

I-405

This is the shortest route, which makes it the most popular. Beginning at LAX (1 World Way, LA, CA, 90045), you will take World Way out to S Sepulveda Blvd. World Way is a one-way street, and the only road into or out of LAX, so don’t worry about getting on the wrong road. World Way only allows you to drive on one direction, and you’ll either keep driving in circles or get on the exit for Sepulveda.

From S Sepulveda, use the middle lane to take the ramp for I-105 East, and then use the right lane on I-105 to take exit 2 for I-405. Keep right at the fork to stay on 405 S toward Long Beach. After 13 miles you’ll take exit 32B onto I-710 south, and then take exit 1A onto Harbor Scenic drive. Then just follow the signs directing you to the cruise terminal.

I-105E

This route begins just like the last one, except instead of taking exit 2 off I-105 onto I-405, you stay on I-105 a bit longer. After driving on I-105E for about six miles, use the right two lanes to merge onto I-110 south. You’ll continue on I-110 for a bit over 4 miles and then use the right three lanes to merge onto I-405 south. From here on out the route is the same is the last one.

I-105E and I-710S

Again, this route starts by getting onto I-105E from the airport. This time you’ll stay on I-105 for twelve miles before taking exit 13 to merge onto I-710S toward Long Beach. Then it’s a straight shot to the harbor, where you’ll take exit 1A and follow the same instructions we laid out for the first route.

Most people plan on taking the I-405 route, but sometimes the other routes, while longer in terms of distance, will have light traffic. Check your map app before you leave the airport to see which route is currently the fastest.

Transportation Options

Now that you know how to get from the airport to the cruise terminal, it’s time to take a look at the different transportation options available to you. There are a lot of options you can choose from, and we’ll try to give you all the information you need to make the best choice.

Also Read: Full Guide on Long Beach Cruise Terminal Parking

Rental Cars

LAX, like any major airport, has rental car services readily available. If you’re flying in the same day that your cruise is leaving, a rental car may not be worth it. Many people, though, choose to fly in a day or two in advance so there’s no risk of a flight delay causing them to miss their cruise.

If that’s the case, a rental gives you a lot of freedom to explore LA and Long Beach before your cruise leaves. If you like, you can even park the car in the parking garage at the cruise port while you’re on the ship.

The cost of a rental car is often much less than people expect, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be very expensive, since they increase their prices during times of high traffic including the routes from LAX to Long Beach Port.

It’s worth it to check on the rental car prices. Select the rental service you prefer to use and check with them to see what it would cost to pick up the car at LAX at the beginning of your trip and drop it off at the end.

If you go this route, you will also have to pay for parking in the parking garage at the cruise port terminal. There are no place at the port to drop off a rental car, so that isn’t an option. You’ll have to park it somewhere, and the parking garage costs $17 per day (that price does fluctuate, though).

Or, if you’re arriving early and you’ve booked a hotel, many of the hotels offer free parking for the duration of your cruise if you book with them. Check with your hotel; you may just have free parking.

Uber

Uber is the most popular ride share service, and that means that you will almost always be able to find a driver nearby. Using Uber is dead simple; download the app if you don’t already have it, and add a payment method. Then you select a destination and request a ride (your phone should automatically supply your current location.

Uber has a base fee for each ride, and then charges you both by the minute and by the mile. In other words, there is one minimum fee you will always pay, and then the remainder of the cost is based on how long the ride lasts and how much distance is covered. The nice thing about this is that you pay for the whole car, not per person. In most of the airport shuttles, you are paying per person.

You’ll pay just under $30 on average for an Uber ride from LAX to the Long Beach Cruise terminal. Remember, though, that Uber’s pricing increases during times of high demand. That means you could be paying significantly more than that.

If you’re traveling by yourself, or there are only two or three people in your party, Uber may not be cheaper than a shuttle. It will still offer more convenience, though. Uber comes when you call, and in a busy airport like LAX there’s likely to be an Uber nearby all the time. Shuttles leave on a predetermined schedule, and they often make multiple stops at different terminals, hotels, and possibly even another airport before taking you to your destination.

Lyft

Lyft works the same way as Uber, and calculates your payment the same way, too. It usually isn’t much different in price; it’s a little bit cheaper, averaging around $26 to get from LAX to the Long Beach Cruise terminal.

Just like Uber, Lyft will increase its rates during times of high demand, so the cost may be much higher. It usually doesn’t increase them as much as Uber does, and when demand is high the price gap between Uber and Lyft may be significant.

A lot of people consider Lyft to be less safe than Uber, though there isn’t any evidence to support that. What is true is that Lyft has less stringent standards for the cars their drivers use, allowing older models than Uber will. They also often encourage their drivers to allow passengers to sit in the front seat, creating a more casual, “friendly” atmosphere. Some people like this, others find it very offputting.

That said, most Lyft drivers also drive for Uber, so in practice, there are rarely any real differences in the quality of the ride.

According to RideGuru prices start from $38 from LAX to the Long Beach Port. It will depend on the type of vehicle chosen. Take a look here.

Taxis

Taxi is a lot more expensive than Uber or Lyft at over $85. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider it, though. There are taxis waiting outside baggage claim at every terminal at LAX, so they can be even easier to find than Uber/Lyft, and if you’re in a rush that might be important.

For a lot of people, taxis offer more peace of mind, too. Uber and Lyft drivers are just people looking to make extra money, and just about anybody can do it. Both companies vet their drivers, but at the end of the day using those services can often feel like paying a random stranger to drive you around.

Taxi drivers feel more professional, and seem to have more oversight. In short, taxis seem safer to many people. If that’s the case, the extra cost might worth it. There are usually plenty of taxis at the airport, too, since it’s a busy airport in a major city. You shouldn’t have to wait long at all to get a taxi, so if you’re in a hurry, they might be the best option.

Bus

The bus route from LAX to the Long Beach Cruise Port costs $9 per person. For smaller parties, it’s almost certainly the cheapest way to get there. Few people choose to do it, though, because it will take a long time.

When there’s little to no traffic, it’s an hour and half bus ride. that’s because it involves a minimum of two different bus routes. Depending on the bus you take and the time you get on it, you may also have to fit a train ride in, too. There are two bus stops in LAX, one at Terminal 1 and another at Terminal 4.

It’s an option, and if there’s only two of you, or if you’re traveling alone, it will definitely save you money from LAX to Long Beach Port. It just won’t be fast, and may not be all that convenient, either.

Shuttles

Airport shuttles might be the most popular choice for getting from LAX to the Cruise terminal. They aren’t typically the cheapest, and they charge per person, which can quickly drive the price up. So, why the popularity?

Convenience, mostly. Many companies allow you to schedule your pickup in advance, which means the shuttle is usually waiting for you when you arrive. Mostly though, it’s about the luggage.

Uber and Lyft drivers are using their personal cars, and while they both offer larger vehicles for larger parties, a family of four going on a week-long cruise may be worried about fitting their luggage into the car. The same goes for taxis. On a bus, you have to carry you luggage with you, and that gets old fast.

Shuttles, meanwhile, have plenty of room for your whole family and all of their luggage. They’re hassle-free and easy to find. Many of them also offer rides to Disneyland, so if yo have time before or after your cruise you can add that on.

Carnival has it’s own airport shuttles, too. These cost $30 per person, one way. So a total of $60 per person. Clearly, these get expensive fast. They also can only take you directly from the airport to the cruise line, and will only run on the day that you are boarding your ship. If you are flying in early, the Carnival shuttles are not an option (private shuttles companies are, though).

The advantage of the Carnival shuttles is that, if you are flying in the same day your ship leaves, it’s easy to book and find the shuttle. You might even be able find a package deal with the shuttle built in to the price of the trip.

Independent Shuttles/Car Services

The cruise line and airport shuttle services aren’t the only game in town. Los Angeles is home to a huge number of shuttle and car services, and these are often a much better deal for larger groups. In fact, you will usually get a better rate if booking for a larger group than a smaller one.

The only downside to these is that, because there are so many of them, there are bound to be some less-than-dependable ones. Do your research and pay attention to customer reviews before booking a shuttle. Most of these services will also expect you to tip the driver.

These shuttle services can usually take you to multiple locations. You can have them take you to the cruise terminal or the hotel, or many of them will run to the major local tourist spots, too.

Hotel Shuttles

If you’re flying in early and spending a night or two in a hotel, check and see if they have a shuttle service. A lot of the hotels in Long Beach do, and they can pick you up at the airport and take you to the cruise terminal. These shuttles are almost always free, too, so if the hotel offers it, you should definitely take advantage of it.

LAX to Long Beach Port Conclusion

One of the best things about taking a cruise out of Long Beach is that the airport and cruise terminal is set up to make it very easy for travelers to get from the airport to the cruise port and back. There are plenty of options, catering to all kinds of needs.

Passengers flying in the day their ships can book a ride with Carnival’s own shuttle service and rest assured that they have a ride that will get them to the terminal in plenty of time for them to board the ship. Airport shuttle services are also available to take you there, although they may have a few more stops along the way.

Hotel shuttle services, if you’ve booked a hotel in Long Beach, are possibly the best transportation choice, since they’re free. The only catch is that these can only be used if you’ve booked a hotel room, and not everybody does that.

Uber and Lyft are growing in popularity when it comes to LAX to Long Beach Port and will probably surpass shuttle services as the most popular way to get from the airport to the cruise terminal soon if they haven’t already.

They offer a lot of conveniences since there are usually plenty of them hanging around both the airport and the cruise port, and they don’t charge per person like most of the shuttle services do. For a lot of people, rideshares are the only transport they’ll use on a vacation, and for good reason. They’re affordable, and they can pick you up and drop you off anywhere.

Because this is Los Angeles, and there are huge crowds of tourists coming into the area daily, private shuttle and car services are abundant, too. These can be more expensive than rideshares, but the customer service may be better and the drivers are trained professionals. Shuttles of all kinds also typically have much more room for luggage, so larger groups or people leaving on a longer cruises may need to choose a shuttle over a car.

Finally, if you have the time and not much luggage, the bus is an option. It isn’t a great option, but it is an option.

The mode of transport you choose really depends on your personal preferences and when you fly in. If you’re flying in the day your cruise leaves, you may not have another choice but to use Carnival’s shuttles, since they are guaranteed to get you to the Cruise on time. And, if the shuttle is delayed, the ship is more likely to wait for it’s own shuttles than for an Uber.

Other than that, the things to consider are cost, convenience, and your own comfort. We can’t recommend one type of transportation to everyone, because these are all personal preferences. Instead, you’ll have to use the information here to make the best choice for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions