Quick Answer
The best way to get from LAX to Long Beach for most travelers is a pre-booked shared shuttle van (like Prime Time or SuperShuttle), costing $25-$40 per person and taking 45-75 minutes. For the fastest trip, take a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) for $45-$85 (30-45 mins). For the cheapest option, use the public Metro bus and rail system for $1.75-$3.00 (80+ mins). The key transfer point is the Aviation/LAX Metro Station, accessible via free shuttle.
LAX to Long Beach by Train & Metro Rail
While there's no single direct train, LA's Metro Rail system offers a cost-effective, if somewhat complex, route to Long Beach. It's best for solo travelers or pairs with minimal luggage who aren't pressed for time.
The Standard Metro Route (Recommended)
- Free LAX Shuttle: At baggage claim, find the Shuttle "G" (Green) stop. Take it to the Aviation/LAX Metro Station (10-15 mins).
- Metro C Line (Green): Board the southbound train toward Norwalk. Ride for about 20 minutes to the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station.
- Transfer to Metro A Line (Blue): Cross the platform to the southbound A Line train heading to Downtown Long Beach. This scenic above-ground ride takes about 40 minutes.
- Arrive: Disembark at Downtown Long Beach Station (1st St. & Pine Ave.) for downtown, the Aquarium, or waterfront hotels. Use the Pacific Coast Highway Station for areas near CSULB or the Queen Mary.
Key Stats: Total time: 75-90 minutes. Total fare: $1.75 (includes 2-hour free transfer window). Operates from ~4 AM to 1 AM daily.
Alternative: FlyAway Bus + Metro (More Comfortable)
For a less crowded start, take the LAX FlyAway bus to Union Station ($9.75, 45-60 mins). Then, take the Metro A Line (Blue) directly to Long Beach (50 mins, $1.75). This avoids the C Line transfer and offers more luggage space on the bus.
| Route | Total Time | Cost (One-Way) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation/LAX Station Route (C Line -> A Line) | 75-90 min | $1.75 | 1 (at Willowbrook) | Budget travelers, light luggage |
| FlyAway + Union Station Route | 95-120 min | $11.50 | 1 (at Union Station) | Travelers with more luggage, avoiding local trains |
Luggage & Accessibility Notes
The Metro allows luggage, but stations have stairs and escalators that can be out of service. The C Line trains can be crowded. Not ideal for more than one large suitcase per person. Consider a shuttle if you have bulky bags. All Metro trains and key stations are wheelchair accessible.
LAX to Long Beach by Bus & Shuttle Service
Buses and shuttles offer the best balance of affordability and convenience. You have two main choices: public transit buses (cheapest) and shared ride vans (best value for most).
1. Shared Ride Shuttle Vans (Most Recommended)
Companies like Prime Time Shuttle, SuperShuttle, and Karmel provide door-to-door service. Pre-booking online is mandatory and saves 10-15%.
- How it Works: After baggage claim, call the provider. A dispatcher will direct you to a pickup zone. You share a van with 2-4 other parties heading to the Long Beach area.
- Cost: $25 - $40 per person one-way. Slightly higher for cruise terminal drop-off.
- Travel Time: 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the number of stops.
- Pros: Door-to-door, fixed price, drivers handle luggage, meet-and-greet service.
- Cons: You may wait 15-20 mins for the van to fill, and have multiple stops.
2. Public Bus (Cheapest Option)
This involves multiple buses and is not for the faint-hearted. The primary route is Metro Line 232 + Long Beach Transit (LBT) Line 111.
- Take the free LAX Shuttle "C" to the LAX City Bus Center.
- Board Metro Bus 232 southbound toward Harbor Gateway. Get off at Del Amo Blvd & Long Beach Blvd (~55 mins).
- Transfer to Long Beach Transit Bus 111 southbound. Ride to downtown Long Beach (~25 mins).
Key Stats: Total time: 90-120+ minutes. Total fare: $1.75 (Metro) + $1.25 (LBT) = $3.00. Requires a TAP card or exact change.
3. Direct Bus Services (Limited)
The Long Beach Passport bus (a downtown circulator) does not serve LAX. Some private hotel shuttles exist for specific downtown Long Beach hotels; confirm with your hotel directly.
Booking Tips & Luggage Policy
Always book shuttles in advance, especially for early morning/late night flights or during conventions. Shared vans typically allow one suitcase and one carry-on per person. For oversized items (surfboards, bikes), notify the company when bookingâfees of $10-$20 may apply. Public buses have limited space for large luggage.
LAX to Long Beach by Private Car & Transfer
For the ultimate in convenience, luxury, or specialized needs, private vehicle services are available. This is not recommended for budget travelers.
Private Sedan or SUV Service
Companies like One Way LAX, ExecuCar, or Blacklane provide pre-booked, non-stop service. A professional driver meets you at baggage claim with a name sign.
- Cost: $100 - $180+ one-way, depending on vehicle class (sedan, SUV, van) and company.
- Travel Time: 30-50 minutes.
- Best For: Business travel, families with small children needing car seats, special occasions, or travelers requiring guaranteed high-level service.
Luxury Limousines
For larger groups or events, stretch limos or luxury vans can be chartered. Prices start around $150-$300+ per hour with minimums (e.g., 2 hours).
Rental Cars
All major rental companies have facilities at LAX. You take a Rental Car Shuttle from the terminals. The drive to Long Beach is straightforward (I-105 E to I-710 S).
- Consider: Daily rental rate + gas + potentially high hotel parking fees in Long Beach ($25-$40/day).
- Only rent a car if you plan to explore beyond Long Beach. Long Beach itself is very walkable/bikeable with good local transit.
Important Booking Advice
When booking private transfers, confirm the exact meeting procedure, cancellation policy, and what's included (gratuity, tolls, waiting time). Provide your flight number for tracking. For rentals, book far in advance for the best rates and vehicle selection, especially in summer.
LAX to Long Beach: Ticket Info & Cost Comparison
This table summarizes all options to help you decide at a glance. All times are estimates from terminal to downtown Long Beach.
| Method | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Travel Time | Transfers / Stops | Best For | Booking / Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle Van | $25 - $40 (per person) | 45 - 75 min | Multiple shared stops | Most travelers (Best Value) | Pre-book online |
| Rideshare (UberX/Lyft) | $45 - $85+ (Surge varies) | 30 - 50 min | None (Direct) | Speed, Convenience, Small Groups | App on arrival |
| Taxi | $70 - $85 | 30 - 50 min | None (Direct) | 24/7 availability, No smartphone | Taxi line at LAX |
| Metro Rail (C -> A Line) | $1.75 | 75 - 90 min | 1 train transfer | Cheapest Option, Solo/Light Luggage | TAP card at station |
| Public Bus (232 + 111) | $3.00 | 90 - 120+ min | 1 bus transfer | Ultra-budget, No time pressure | TAP card/exact change |
| Private Car Service | $100 - $180+ | 30 - 50 min | None (Direct) | Luxury, Business, Special Needs | Pre-book online |
| Rental Car | $50 - $120/day + parking + gas | 30 - 60 min | None | Exploring beyond Long Beach | Pre-book online |
Where to Buy Tickets & Passes
- Metro TAP Card: Buy at vending machines at the Aviation/LAX Station or Union Station. Load stored value or a day pass. TAP Website.
- Shuttles: Always book directly on the operator's website for the best rate and guaranteed seat.
- Rideshares: Use the Uber or Lyft app. Set your pickup location to "LAX-it" after you get on the shuttle.
- FlyAway Bus: Purchase tickets at the booth, online, or via the mobile app.
Money-Saving Tip
If you are a group of 4, splitting a standard UberX/Lyft or taxi often costs about the same or only slightly more per person than a shared shuttle, while being significantly faster and direct. Do the quick math on arrival.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips for LAX to Long Beach
Top 5 Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Factor in "LA Time" (Traffic): Always add a 30-60 minute buffer to any estimated travel time, especially between 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays. The 710 freeway is a notorious bottleneck.
- Pre-book Your Shuttle or Private Transfer: Walking up to a shuttle counter is possible, but you'll pay a premium (up to 30% more) and risk waiting longer. Booking online secures your spot and price.
- Know Your LAX-it for Rideshares: Don't wait for an Uber at the curbâit's not allowed. You must take the green LAX-it shuttle to the central pickup lot. The shuttle ride takes 5-15 minutes.
- Consider Your Final Destination in Long Beach:
- Downtown/Pike/Convention Center: All methods work. The Metro A Line's Downtown Long Beach station is perfectly located.
- Queen Mary / Carnival Cruise Terminal: A shuttle, taxi, or rideshare is best. The "Queen Mary" stop on the free Passport bus (D) is a short walk from the terminal.
- Belmont Shore / Naples Island: A direct taxi/rideshare is advisable, as public transit requires an additional local bus transfer.
- Handle Luggage Smartly: If you have lots of bags, avoid the Metro. Shared shuttles are luggage-friendly. For an extra fee, services like LuggageForward can ship your bags directly to your hotel.
Special Situations
- Late-Night Arrivals (After 11 PM): Metro services stop around 1 AM, but frequencies drop after 9 PM. Shared shuttles still run but may have longer wait times. Taxis and rideshares are your most reliable bet.
- Early Morning Flights (Before 7 AM): Schedule a private transfer or taxi the night before. Do not rely on a same-day booked shuttle for very early pickups.
- Traveling with Kids: California law requires child safety seats. Shuttles and taxis are exempt, but it's safer to bring your own. Uber/Lyft do not provide them. Book a private car service that offers them in advance.
- During Major Events: Long Beach hosts the Grand Prix, Comic-Con, and music festivals. Expect severely inflated rideshare prices, sold-out shuttles, and road closures. Book transport months in advance.
A Note on Tipping
It is customary to tip drivers in the US. For shuttle/van drivers, tip $3-$5 per person. For taxi or private car drivers, tip 15-20% of the fare. For rideshares, tipping through the app is encouraged but optional.
FAQs: Getting from LAX to Long Beach
What is the cheapest way to get from LAX to Long Beach?
The absolute cheapest way is via public bus (Metro 232 + Long Beach Transit 111) for $3.00 total. However, it takes over 90 minutes with transfers. For better value, the Metro Rail (C Line to A Line) at $1.75 is a faster and more comfortable budget option.
What is the fastest way to get from LAX to downtown Long Beach?
The fastest option is a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, taking 30-45 minutes in light traffic. During rush hour, a non-stop private transfer or shuttle may be just as fast and more predictable in terms of cost.
Is there a direct train from LAX to Long Beach?
No direct train exists. The most efficient train route requires a free shuttle from LAX to the Aviation/LAX Metro Station, then a train transfer at Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station from the C Line (Green) to the A Line (Blue) to Long Beach.
How much is an Uber or Lyft from LAX to Long Beach?
Typical fares range from $45 to $85 for UberX/Lyft, but surge pricing during peak times can push it over $100. Always check the app for a real-time quote before booking.
Are there shuttles from LAX to Long Beach cruise terminal?
Yes. Shared shuttle companies like Prime Time and SuperShuttle offer direct service to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal for $30-$45 per person. Pre-booking is essential, especially on cruise departure days.
Can I use the Metro from LAX to Long Beach with luggage?
Yes, but it's challenging. It's only recommended if you have one manageable suitcase and a backpack. Navigating transfers and potentially crowded trains with large or multiple bags is difficult.
How long is the drive from LAX to Long Beach?
The drive is about 22 miles and takes 30-40 minutes without traffic. During weekday rush hours, plan for 60-90 minutes.
Is there a bus from LAX to Long Beach Airport (LGB)?
No direct public bus connects LAX to LGB. The most practical connection is a taxi or rideshare (30-50 mins, $50-$80). Alternatively, take a shuttle to downtown Long Beach and then a short taxi to LGB.