What Does a Ride from LAX to Long Beach Cost?
About This Route
Long Beach sits about 21 miles south of LAX along the coast, accessible via the I-405 south to the I-710 or via the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. The city's revitalized waterfront features the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, and a thriving craft-beer and restaurant scene along Pine Avenue and 2nd Street in Belmont Shore. Long Beach also serves as a major cruise port, so this route sees heavy traffic from cruise passengers during embarkation days.
Surge Pricing Alert
LAX-to-Long Beach surge is most pronounced during the Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend (mid-April), which closes major downtown streets and spikes both demand and drop-off difficulty. Cruise embarkation mornings (typically Saturday and Sunday) see elevated early-morning pricing. Weekday rush hour on the I-405 southbound (4–6:30 PM) also triggers consistent surge.
Travel Tips
- 01The I-405 south to the I-710 south is the fastest freeway route, exiting at Shoreline Drive for the waterfront and cruise terminal area.
- 02If heading to Belmont Shore or the eastern beaches, stay on the 405 past the 710 and exit at Bellflower Boulevard southbound to avoid backtracking through Downtown Long Beach.
- 03For cruise terminal drop-offs, the address is 231 Windsor Way — tell your driver to follow signs to the Queen Mary / Cruise Terminal, as GPS sometimes routes to the wrong port entrance.
- 04The Metro A Line (Blue) runs from Downtown LA to Downtown Long Beach but doesn't connect directly to LAX — you'd need a bus transfer to the A Line, making rideshare more practical from the airport.
- Travel time
- 30–60 minutes. Off-peak drives via the I-405/I-710 average about 30 minutes. Rush hour on the 405 through the Torrance/Carson stretch can push it to 70+ minutes.
- Best time to travel
- Weekend mornings (before 10 AM) and weekday midday (10 AM–2 PM). Avoid the 405 southbound between 3:30 and 7 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Uber from LAX to Long Beach?
UberX from LAX to Long Beach typically costs $52–$70 during normal hours. Rush-hour surge and Friday evening demand can push prices up to $140. For cruise terminal drop-offs, expect the same range.
How do I get from LAX to the Long Beach cruise terminal?
The most direct way is a rideshare via the I-405/I-710 to Shoreline Drive. The trip takes 30–50 minutes and costs $52–$70 by UberX. Long Beach Transit buses connect from Downtown Long Beach, but aren't practical from LAX with cruise luggage.
Is Long Beach Airport closer than LAX?
If Long Beach is your final destination, yes — Long Beach Airport (LGB) is right in the city and an Uber from LGB to the waterfront is just $10–$15. However, LGB has limited flight options. LAX offers far more routes and airlines, making the 21-mile transfer worthwhile for most travelers.