How to get from Long Beach Airport to Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Traveling from Long Beach Airport to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is relatively easy because the terminal is at the Queen Mary complex, 231 Windsor Way, and most travelers choose a taxi, rideshare, or cruise transfer rather than public transit.

At A Glance (Long Beach Airport to Long Beach Cruise Terminal)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚖 Taxi / Uber / Lyft (fastest door-to-door)	~20–30 min	Most cruisers, easy luggage handling, quickest trip
🏷️ Cost: Taxi is meter-based; Long Beach Airport posts rates and also lists a $50 flat rate to San Pedro/Cruise Ships (useful benchmark, though Long Beach Cruise Terminal is usually closer/cheaper) » official airport transport info | prebook a ride
🚘 Private Transfer / Cruise Transfer	~20–35 min	Families, groups, fixed-price planning, cruise-day simplicity
🏷️ Cost: Usually ~$45–110+ per vehicle depending on size and provider » compare transfers | alt. transfer listings
🚌 Long Beach Transit Bus + Passport	~45–75 min	Budget travelers with light luggage
🏷️ Cost: Local bus fare is typically low; check current fares before travel » Passport route | airport-serving routes
🚗 Rental Car + Cruise Parking	~20–35 min driving + parking/check-in time	Travelers adding errands, hotel stays, or a pre-cruise day out
🏷️ Cost: Rental price varies + cruise parking charges if you keep the car » compare car rentals | terminal address & parking info

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient: Option #1 (Taxi / Uber / Lyft) is the easiest choice for most cruise passengers.
• Best for families or lots of luggage: Option #2 (Private Transfer / Cruise Transfer) gives you a larger vehicle and less day-of-travel stress.
• Cheapest / Most Economical: Option #3 (Long Beach Transit + Passport) is the budget pick if you’re comfortable with a transfer and carrying bags.
• Most Flexible: Option #4 (Rental Car + Cruise Parking) works well if you need stops for groceries, a hotel, or sightseeing before embarkation.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Know the terminal address: Carnival’s Long Beach Cruise Terminal is commonly listed as 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 on Carnival’s terminal information page.
• Use the official airport pickup zones: Long Beach Airport says taxis are at the stand outside the terminal next to Parking Structure A, and rideshare pickup is at the center median in front of the terminal.
• Cruise-day timing matters: Build extra buffer for luggage drop, security screening, and terminal lines, especially on weekends and popular sailing dates.
• Traveling with many bags: Public transit is possible, but rideshare or a private car is usually far easier.
• Staying overnight first: Compare hotels near the Queen Mary or stays in Long Beach.
• Need bag storage before boarding? Check luggage storage in Long Beach if you arrive early and want to explore first.

🚖 Option #1 — Taxi / Uber / Lyft (Fastest Door-to-Door)

Fastest No transfers Best with luggage

• Overview: Take a taxi or rideshare directly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal near the Queen Mary. This is the easiest and most practical option for most travelers.
• How to book (with price): Long Beach Airport’s official transportation page lists taxis at the stand next to Parking Structure A and gives current taxi meter rates. Uber also has an LGB airport pickup page. Typical rideshare pricing often falls in the $20–40+ range depending on demand, while taxi pricing depends on traffic and meter time.
• Ride-hailing alternatives: Uber and Lyft are the main app-based options here. Prebooked services via Welcome Pickups can make arrival smoother if you want a driver waiting.
• Pros: Quick, direct, very easy with cruise luggage. Cons: Rideshare prices can spike during busy periods.

Step-by-step: Taxi / Uber / Lyft

1. Collect your bags at LGB and walk outside the terminal.
2. If taking a taxi, head to the taxi stand outside the terminal next to Parking Structure A, as listed on the official airport ground transportation page.
3. If using Uber or Lyft, request your ride and go to the center median directly in front of the terminal, which Long Beach Airport identifies as the rideshare pickup area.
4. Use the destination Long Beach Cruise Terminal, 231 Windsor Way to avoid confusion with other port locations.
5. On arrival, follow terminal staff directions for luggage drop and check-in lines.

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi stand / rideshare pickup at LGB)

• Taxi stand: Outside the terminal next to Parking Structure A.
• Rideshare pickup: Center median directly in front of the terminal.
• Terminal tip: Save the cruise terminal address in your phone before landing in case mobile signal is slow during pickup.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #2 — Private Transfer / Cruise Transfer

Stress-free Good for groups Higher cost

• Overview: Prebook a private driver or cruise transfer from Long Beach Airport to the cruise terminal. This is great when you want fixed planning, extra luggage space, or a meet-and-greet style arrival.
• How to book (with price): You can compare private rides on GetTransfer, browse transfer-style products on Trip.com, or look for transfer listings on GetYourGuide. Expect roughly $45–110+ depending on vehicle size and provider.
• Cruise-line alternative: Carnival also offers select airport-to-port transportation products for Long Beach embarkations on certain sailings; review Carnival airport transfers if you prefer cruise-line logistics.
• Pros: Predictable, roomy, convenient for families. Cons: Usually costs more than a standard rideshare.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer / Cruise Transfer

1. Reserve your vehicle in advance with your flight number and pickup time.
2. Set the destination as Long Beach Cruise Terminal, 231 Windsor Way.
3. After landing, follow the provider’s pickup instructions carefully—some meet inside arrivals, while others use a curbside collection point.
4. If you booked a Carnival transfer, confirm timing and eligibility on the official airport transfer page before travel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Private pickup zone at LGB)

• Meeting point: Follow the exact pickup note from your provider; some drivers wait curbside while others text when ready.
• Best for: Families, groups of 3–6, or travelers with bulky cruise luggage.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Long Beach Transit Bus + Passport (Cheapest)

Lowest cost Works in daytime Light luggage only

• Overview: Use a Long Beach Transit route serving the airport, then connect to the Passport service toward Queen Mary / Cruise Terminal.
• How to book (with price): Long Beach Airport notes that Long Beach Transit serves the airport, and route information is available via the official transit pages. Start with Routes 111/112 for airport-area service, then use the Passport route, which shows service to Queen Mary / Cruise Terminal. Fares are low, but check current prices before travel.
• Pros: Cheapest option. Cons: Requires a transfer and is much less convenient with cruise bags.

Step-by-step: Long Beach Transit + Passport

1. Exit Long Beach Airport and walk to the Long Beach Transit stop serving the airport area.
2. Take an airport-serving bus such as one of the routes listed by Long Beach Airport and Long Beach Transit, typically using Routes 111/112 or another current airport-serving line depending on time of day.
3. Ride toward downtown Long Beach, then transfer to the Passport service.
4. Stay on the Passport until Queen Mary / Cruise Terminal, which the route timetable shows as a served stop.
5. Walk the final short distance if needed and enter the terminal area.

Getting to the main embarking points (LBT airport stop / downtown transfer point)

• Airport stop: Long Beach Transit serves the airport area; confirm the next departure before leaving the terminal.
• Downtown connection: Passport is the key onward service for the cruise terminal area.
• Luggage warning: This route is practical only if you can comfortably manage your own bags on and off buses.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Rental Car + Cruise Parking

Flexible Good for extra stops Parking costs extra

• Overview: Rent a car at Long Beach Airport, make any shopping or hotel stops you need, then drive to the cruise terminal and park or return the car before boarding.
• How to book (with price): Long Beach Airport’s official transportation page says rental cars are in the Airport Ground Transportation Center across from the terminal. Compare options on Booking.com car rental.
• Parking: Use Carnival’s official Long Beach terminal information page for the terminal address and parking basics: Cruise terminal information and parking.
• Pros: Best if you want to run errands or stay elsewhere first. Cons: Parking and car-rental logistics can be more hassle than a quick rideshare.

Step-by-step: Rental Car + Cruise Parking

1. Walk to the Airport Ground Transportation Center across from the terminal and collect your rental car.
2. Set navigation for 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
3. Drive to the cruise terminal, following staff directions for luggage drop and parking.
4. If you are staying nearby before embarkation, compare hotels near the Queen Mary and drive over on embarkation day.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Ground Transportation Center)

• Rental pickup: Directly across the street from the terminal in the Ground Transportation Center.
• Best use case: Travelers combining airport transfer with shopping, sightseeing, or a hotel stay.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Long Beach Airport to Long Beach Cruise Terminal)

What’s the easiest way to get from Long Beach Airport to Long Beach Cruise Terminal?
For most travelers, taxi or rideshare is the easiest option because it is direct, quick, and simple with luggage.

How far is Long Beach Cruise Terminal from Long Beach Airport?
It is a relatively short city transfer, usually around 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Can I use public transportation from Long Beach Airport to the cruise terminal?
Yes. The cheapest route is typically an airport-serving Long Beach Transit bus followed by the Passport service to Queen Mary / Cruise Terminal, but it is best only for light luggage.

Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at Long Beach Airport?
Long Beach Airport states that rideshare pickup is at the center median directly in front of the terminal.

What address should I use for the cruise terminal?
Carnival’s terminal page lists the Long Beach Cruise Terminal at 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, California 90802.

Should I stay overnight in Long Beach before my cruise?
That is often a smart idea for peace of mind, especially if you arrive late or in bad weather. Compare Long Beach hotels or stays near the Queen Mary.