
The Long Beach Ferry Port is a convenient and scenic way to travel between Long Beach and nearby cities. The port is located at 1 Pico Ave, Long Beach, CA 90801.
Getting to the ferry port is relatively easy, with parking available nearby. The port is also accessible by public transportation, including buses and trains.
Before you head to the port, make sure to check the schedule and fares for the ferry you plan to take. The Long Beach Ferry offers multiple departures and routes, including the Catalina Express.
Keep in mind that the ferry port can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Be prepared for potential crowds and long lines.
Getting to the Port
To get to the Long Beach ferry port, you'll want to head to 320 Golden Shore in Long Beach, California. This is the address of the port where you'll catch the ferry to Catalina Island.
Arrive at the port at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and boarding. This will give you plenty of time to get settled before the ferry sets off.
Driving to the Port
Driving to the Port is a convenient option, and there's an overnight parking garage located adjacent to the port entrance.
The parking garage address is 330 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802.
You'll need to park here since vehicles can't be brought onboard the Catalina Express.
The daily parking fee is $19, and reservations aren't necessary.
I was able to find several parking spots available, and I felt safe leaving my car there for the weekend.
It's a good idea to make a note of where you parked for when you return.
The Best Way
To get to Catalina Island from Long Beach, you'll want to head to the Long Beach Port. The address is 320 Golden Shore in Long Beach, California. It's a convenient location that makes it easy to get to the island.
Arriving at the port at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure time is a good idea, so you can allow for check-in and boarding. This will also give you time to enjoy the scenic views of the ocean as you wait.
The journey to Catalina Island typically takes about 60 minutes, depending on the ferry's destination in Catalina Island. You can check the ferry's schedule in advance to plan your trip.
Here is a list of the Catalina Express ferry timetables from Long Beach to Avalon:
Remember to check the ferry's schedule in advance to plan your trip and make any necessary arrangements for your car, such as parking at the Long Beach Port for $22.95 per 24-hour period.
Get in Line
You'll want to get in line for the ferry as soon as you have your tickets. The closer you are to the front of the line, the better your chances of getting a good seat.
Immediately get in line for general boarding after you've purchased your tickets. Seats are not assigned, so it's first come, first serve.
You'll have better seating options the closer you are to the front of the line. If you're traveling with your pet, your fur baby will stand in the same line as you.
Here are some important details to keep in mind:
- Get in line for general boarding after purchasing tickets.
- Seats are not assigned, so it's first come, first serve.
- Pets travel with their owners in the same line.
Arrive at the port at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and boarding. This will give you time to get in line and secure a good seat.
Travel Information
The Long Beach Ferry Port is a convenient way to travel to Catalina Island. The ferry ride takes about an hour from the port.
There are two ferry companies that operate from the port: Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer. Both offer regular departures throughout the day.
The port is open daily from 7am to 6pm, making it easy to plan your trip.
Parking Near the Port
There's an overnight parking garage located adjacent to the port entrance at Avalon Port.
The daily parking fee is $19, and reservations aren't necessary.
You'll find the parking structure at 330 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802.
I've personally parked there and felt safe leaving my car for the weekend, but it's not a huge structure like an airport garage.
Make sure to note where you parked for when you return.
Overnight parking is also available at the Long Beach Port for $22.95 per 24hr period, but you can't park there for more than 30 days.
Southern California Ports
Traveling to Catalina Island from Southern California can be a breeze, especially if you know which ports to use. There are three main ports in Southern California that offer service to Catalina Island.
The Long Beach Catalina Express port is the most popular and offers the most frequent ferry service, with multiple departures daily. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
San Pedro is another popular option, especially for those living in Los Angeles. The ferry service from San Pedro is likely the easiest and closest option.
Dana Point is a bit farther away, but it's a good option for those in the south of Orange County or San Diego. However, keep in mind that the ferry service only goes to the Avalon port, not Two Harbors.
Here are the three main ports in Southern California that offer service to Catalina Island:
- Long Beach
- San Pedro
- Dana Point
Ticketing and Prices
The ticketing and prices for the Long Beach ferry port are quite straightforward. A round-trip ticket on the Catalina Island Express Ferry costs $84 per adult.

You can save a few bucks if you're a senior, as they can ride for a discounted rate of $77 round-trip. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 can ride for $68.50, and babies under 2 don't need a ticket, but you'll still have to pay the $7.00 wharfage fee.
If you need to bring extra gear, like a bike or surfboard, be prepared to pay an additional $7.00 per item.
Cost to Travel
The cost to travel to Catalina Island can vary depending on your age and type of ticket. A round-trip ticket on the Catalina Island Express Ferry costs $84 per adult.
For seniors aged 55 and over, you can ride for a discounted rate of $77 round-trip. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 can ride for $68.50.
If you're traveling with extra gear, be aware that normal-size carry-on luggage is included in the ticket cost, but oversized items like bikes or surfboards will cost an additional $7.00 per item.
Fast Fleet Tickets

You can book your Catalina Express ticket online for a round-trip service to Catalina Island from Long Beach, Dana Point, or San Pedro terminals daily.
To ensure availability, it's highly recommended to reserve tickets online as they often sell out quickly, especially during summer and holiday weekends.
Reservations are recommended and can be made by selecting your date of travel and clicking "Book Now" on the Catalina Express reservation system.
You can reserve your tickets up to a week prior to your departure, but be prepared to call the operator to confirm your spot, as was the case for one traveler.
Scheduling and Planning
The Long Beach ferry port offers a convenient and scenic way to reach Catalina Island. Up to 7 ferries run daily, making up to 49 sailings per week.
To plan your trip, you can check the ferry schedule, which can be affected by seasonal changes and other factors. Fortunately, Direct Ferries provides the most up-to-date information on ferry sailings.
The Catalina Express ferry is a popular option, with multiple departures throughout the day. For example, the 06:00 departure from Long Beach arrives at Avalon at 07:00, taking just 1 hour. You can find more detailed information on the ferry timetable below.
Avalon Timetables
The ferry schedule for the Long Beach to Avalon route has up to 7 ferries running daily, with a total of up to 49 ferries per week.
You can check the latest ferry timetables on the Direct Ferries website, which provides the most up-to-date information regarding ferry sailings.
Ferry timetables can be affected by seasonal changes, changes to the ferry route, and other factors, so it's always a good idea to check before you book.
The Catalina Express ferry service departure schedule varies throughout the year, but there are always multiple trips each day.
From the Long Beach port, you can expect departures between 6 am and 6 pm daily.

If you want to get to Catalina Island quickly, the Catalina Express ferry is a great option, taking a little over an hour via the Catalina Express.
Here is a list of some of the ferry departures from Long Beach to Avalon:
It's a good idea to reserve your Catalina Express ticket online, as they often sell out, especially in the summer and on holiday weekends.
Why Choose Express
Choosing the right transportation to get to Catalina Island can be overwhelming. The Catalina Express Ferry is the easiest way to get there.
The boat ride from Long Beach Port takes only about 1 hour, giving you time to enjoy beautiful views off the coast of California. You'll have plenty of time to take in the sights before arriving at the island.
The Long Beach port is the most attractive and popular place to set sail, making it a convenient option.
Booking and Reservations
To book a ferry ticket, you should reserve it online in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and holiday weekends. It's best to book early to ensure availability.
You can reserve your tickets online, but be aware that popular departure times may sell out quickly. I booked my tickets a week prior to my departure, but had to call the operator to secure the spot.
If you need to cancel your reservation, you can do so 24 hours prior to departure without any additional fees.
Sources
- https://www.sandiego.com/blog/post/catalina-express-long-beach/
- https://californiagirltravels.com/how-far-is-catalina-island-from-long-beach/
- https://catalinaexpress.com/schedule-fares/
- https://www.directferries.com/long_beach_avalon_ferry.htm
- https://www.thetravelpockets.com/new-blog/how-to-get-to-catalina-island-from-long-beach-port
Featured Images: pexels.com