Getting To The Cruise Port-Long Beach From LAX

Yay! You have booked a cruise out of Long Beach and you have booked your flights to Los Angeles and you chose LAX for a variety of reasons and now, how do you get to the port?

What's the best option?

photo from Canva and not at LAX but I loved the ship LOL

So, the dilemma of getting to the cruise port is one that I see in all the cruise FB groups and there are so many opinions-everyone has their take. Here is mine.

If you have chosen LAX as your airport, don't fret. It can take hours, yes that's true but it doesn't have to. If you are landing during rush hour(S) you may want to sit and have a cup of coffee or a drink at the bar before making your way down the 405 to Long Beach but otherwise, it's not that bad.

The best ways to get to the cruise terminal are.

1. Use your ships transport that you arrange via the app. I know Carnival has this under excursions and it's not too expensive. The only thing is this is only for the day your ship is embarking, so if you come in the day before (like you should) you are on your own.

2. Uber or Lyft or a car service are all good options. Car services can be expensive but also worth it for peace of mind, they can meet you inside etc.

3. Rent a car. There are loads of car rental places at LAX but unless you are going to drive around the city, I'd avoid the extra cost.

WHERE TO STAY if I flew in to LAX?

You have a few options. Take transportation to Long Beach and stay at one of the many hotels there. Cruisers love Hotel Maya by Hilton but I love the Marriot so will choose a Marriot myself. Downtown Long Beach has a long to do and is walkable. Then you may have to Uber or Lyft to the port in the am.

or

You can stay at one of the hotels by LAX. My advice, take it or leave it, is don't be cheap here. Los Angeles is expensive so if you have found a "great deal" for $100 a night, be careful as it's probably sketchy in a bad area. I can't legally say what areas are bad but please use common sense; if all the hotels on Century are coming up at $275-500 and you find one on some random side street for super cheap, be aware that you may not be safe. I recommend sticking with major hotel brands. The Westin, The Marriot on Century are both nice and have shuttles to and from the airport.

You can stay in El Segundo as well, just check the hotel's reviews on like Tripadvisor or Yelp.

Personally, I'm not a fan of AirBnBs down by the airport but there are probably a lot of great ones. It's really up to you and what you like.

AGAIN BE CAREFUL OF CHEAP PLACES TO STAY

How to get back to the airport after my cruise. The same as the ways down.

TIPS FOR ARRIVING AND DEPARTING LAX when cruising

1. Fly in at least one day in advance. If you can't do that, get the first flight out in the morning as there will be less chance of cancelation

2. Book your return flight after twelve noon because the ship usually docks at 6 or 7 am but sometimes they come in late like 9:30-11, then they still have to clear customs and you then need to get to the airport. **see my post about how much time to get to the airport

I hope this helps you get sorted! Have a great cruise!!!

xo Stephanie

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