Travel to or parking at Carnival Long Beach Port

[Cache Trekker]

We live 30 miles from the cruise port in Long Beach, and nine of us are taking a six-day Carnival Cruise in December. We're trying to figure out the least expensive way to get to the port. Do we drive two cars and park them for the duration or arrange shuttle transportation for all of us both ways? Have any of you compared these options and can provide suggestions? Thanks.

[Kamloops50]

We live 30 miles from the cruise port in Long Beach, and nine of us are taking a six-day Carnival Cruise in December. We're trying to figure out the least expensive way to get to the port. Do we drive two cars and park them for the duration or arrange shuttle transportation for all of us both ways? Have any of you compared these options and can provide suggestions? Thanks.

 

The cheapest probably is some kind of shuttle or town car .

[559cruisers]

We live 30 miles from the cruise port in Long Beach, and nine of us are taking a six-day Carnival Cruise in December. We're trying to figure out the least expensive way to get to the port. Do we drive two cars and park them for the duration or arrange shuttle transportation for all of us both ways? Have any of you compared these options and can provide suggestions? Thanks.

 

Parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is $17/day. You might try Super Shuttle.

[Rosefloater]

Parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is $17/day. You might try Super Shuttle.

 

Parking is $19/day. And it is prorated.

[SadieN]

Not much parking around Long Beach other than the cruise port. There are some open lots near the Convention Center that are cheaper than the port.

We park at Union Station for $6/day and take the Metro ($1.75, Red or Purple to Blue) and transfer over to the Long Beach Passport Bus.

Just know that the Metro goes thru Watts, South Central, Compton etc. Mom, Sis and I taken it many times and never had a problem. We did this a few weeks ago and will be doing so again next week.

[Cache Trekker]

Thanks for the suggestions.I'll pass them on to the rest of the group, and we'll take a vote.

[nsw104]

Not much parking around Long Beach other than the cruise port. There are some open lots near the Convention Center that are cheaper than the port.

We park at Union Station for $6/day and take the Metro ($1.75, Red or Purple to Blue) and transfer over to the Long Beach Passport Bus.

Just know that the Metro goes thru Watts, South Central, Compton etc. Mom, Sis and I taken it many times and never had a problem. We did this a few weeks ago and will be doing so again next week.

 

What parking lot do you use @ Union Station? Outdoor or enclosed? Also, for the Metro, do you need exact change to board or all there ticket machines? Thanks in advance.

[SadieN]

Park at the Gateway Plaza lot, attached to Union Station. Seems to be $8/day now.

Check out Google Maps before you go as it can be confusing getting there.

http://www.metrolinktrains.com/stations/detail/station_id/131.html

 

Metro machines will give change. No money on the trains, it's an honor system. You'll need to buy a TAP card ($1) if you do not already have one. Fare is $1.75/2 hours. Need to tap at every transfer. metro.net.

The Blue line northbound is redoing the rails. Need to transfer to a bus for part of the way.

 

Passport bus info

http://www.lbtransit.com/Services/Passport.aspx

Edited November 25, 2015 by SadieN

[Rosefloater]

What parking lot do you use @ Union Station? Outdoor or enclosed? Also, for the Metro, do you need exact change to board or all there ticket machines? Thanks in advance.

 

More on what SadieN said. The parking garage is at 801 N. Vignes Street, cross street is Ramirez. It is all underground parking. The entrance is a little tricky as it not only leads to the underground entrance, but also to the upper area to drop off passengers for the bus. You pay at kiosks located by the elevators. They take cash/credit cards.

 

For the Rail lines. You don't need exact change. The machines will give change. The TAP card is good for 3 years. Every now and then, deputies will come on the train and check the TAP card.

[nsw104]

SadieN and Rosefloater, thanks for your help. Think I might try it this weekend for my 4-day cruise, since I'm cruising solo. the $19/ day @ Long Beach is getting expensive for just myself. Thanks again.

[Rosefloater]

SadieN and Rosefloater, thanks for your help. Think I might try it this weekend for my 4-day cruise, since I'm cruising solo. the $19/ day @ Long Beach is getting expensive for just myself. Thanks again.

 

Just to let you know, we only take a 22" suitcase and maybe a tote.

 

You catch the Passport bus on Ocean Ave. between Pine and Pacific. The stop is on the south side of the street in between the 2 white buildings (across the street from Rock Bottom Brewery).

 

The Long Beach Transit Center's Blue Line stop is between Pine and Pacific. Look at google maps to familiar yourself with the area.