If you’re flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) before a cruise from San Pedro, planning your transportation in advance can make your travel day much easier.
The Port of Los Angeles operates the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal, a harbor community within the City of Los Angeles. The terminal is located at 100 Swinford Street, near Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street.
For cruise travelers arriving at LAX, understanding the difference between San Pedro and Long Beach is especially important because these are two separate cruise terminals.
Los Angeles Has Two Major Cruise Terminals
Cruises departing from the Los Angeles area are primarily associated with two distinct terminals:
- Long Beach Cruise Terminal – located in Long Beach
- Los Angeles Cruise Terminal – located in San Pedro and operated at the Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles specifically notes that Long Beach and Los Angeles are separate ports, even though they are located close to one another.
If your cruise itinerary lists Los Angeles (US LAX), the Port of Los Angeles cruise terminal in San Pedro may be your departure point. If it lists Long Beach (US LGB), you will need to travel to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal instead. Always confirm the terminal listed by your cruise line before arranging transportation.
Where Is the Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal?
The Los Angeles Cruise Terminal is located in San Pedro at:
100 Swinford Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
The terminal provides direct freeway access to and from I-110 and includes passenger-processing facilities, baggage handling, parking and other amenities for cruise travelers.
Which Cruise Lines Sail From the Port of Los Angeles?
The Port of Los Angeles serves a variety of cruise lines, from major mainstream cruise brands to luxury and specialty operators.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has a particularly strong connection with the Port of Los Angeles. The port describes Princess as its longtime cruise partner, and current sailings include itineraries to destinations such as Mexico, the California Coast and Hawaii.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean operates sailings from the Los Angeles cruise terminal, giving passengers another option for cruises departing from the San Pedro area.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is another major cruise brand associated with the Los Angeles cruise market, offering travelers additional choices for cruises departing from the LA Waterfront.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises also operates cruise itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles, adding a premium cruise option for travelers departing from San Pedro.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is another cruise brand that has served the Los Angeles cruise market, including Pacific Coast and longer-distance itineraries.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line also has a presence in the Los Angeles cruise market, making the San Pedro area an option for families looking for a Disney cruise experience.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages began sailing from the Port of Los Angeles in 2026 with its Brilliant Lady ship. Its Los Angeles itineraries include Pacific Coast, Canadian, Mexican Riviera and Central American destinations.
Luxury and Specialty Cruise Lines
The Port of Los Angeles also serves luxury and specialty cruise operators. Depending on the current sailing schedule, travelers may see brands such as:
- Oceania Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Cunard
- Seabourn
- Azamara
Because cruise schedules and homeport assignments can change, travelers should always confirm their specific sailing directly with the cruise line.
Where Do Cruises From San Pedro Go?
One advantage of cruising from the Port of Los Angeles is the variety of itineraries available.
Depending on the cruise line and sailing date, common destinations can include:
Mexican Riviera
Cruises to Mexico are an important part of the Los Angeles cruise market. Popular Mexican Riviera itineraries can include destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
Pacific Coast
Some cruises travel along the California and Pacific Coast, with itineraries that may include destinations such as San Francisco, Astoria and Vancouver.
Hawaii
Travelers can also find Hawaii itineraries departing from the Los Angeles area.
Alaska
Certain repositioning and seasonal itineraries connect Los Angeles with Alaska.
South Pacific
Longer cruises can include South Pacific destinations as part of extended itineraries.
Panama Canal
Panama Canal cruises are another option available on selected sailings. For example, the Port of Los Angeles has announced Princess Cruises departures featuring Panama Canal itineraries.
Traveling From LAX to San Pedro Cruise Terminal
If you’re arriving at LAX before your cruise, transportation is an important part of your itinerary.
Your travel plan should account for:
- Flight arrival time
- Baggage claim
- Airport pickup procedures
- Los Angeles traffic
- Number of passengers
- Amount of luggage
- Cruise check-in time
Because cruise ships operate on fixed schedules, it’s best to plan your airport-to-port transportation with enough time for unexpected delays.
Private Car Service From LAX to San Pedro
Travelers have several transportation choices when leaving LAX, including taxis, ride-app services, public transportation and private transportation.
For passengers traveling with families, groups or multiple pieces of luggage, a private car service can provide a convenient direct transportation option.
If you’re planning transportation from the airport to the cruise terminal, you can learn more about LAX to San Pedro cruise transportation and available airport car service options.
Traveling With Cruise Luggage?
Cruise passengers often have more luggage than travelers taking a typical airport transfer.
When arranging transportation, provide the following information:
- Number of passengers
- Number of suitcases
- Carry-on luggage
- Flight information
- Pickup details
- Cruise terminal destination
This helps ensure that the vehicle selected is appropriate for your group and luggage.
San Pedro or Long Beach: Which Terminal Do You Need?
This is one of the most important questions to answer before booking your transportation.
Choose San Pedro / Port of Los Angeles if your cruise itinerary identifies the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal or Port of Los Angeles.
Choose Long Beach if your cruise itinerary identifies the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
The two ports are close to each other but are not the same destination. The Port of Los Angeles recommends checking the seaport code on your cruise itinerary to determine which port you need.
Plan Your LAX to San Pedro Transportation in Advance
Getting from LAX to the Port of Los Angeles is an important part of your cruise-day planning.
Before your flight, confirm your cruise terminal, check your flight information, consider your luggage and passenger count, and arrange transportation with enough time for airport procedures and Los Angeles traffic.
Whether you’re sailing with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages or another cruise operator, knowing exactly where your ship departs can help make your journey more comfortable.
Planning your trip from LAX to San Pedro? Explore LAX airport car service for transportation options before your cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which cruise lines sail from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro?
The Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro World Cruise Center) serves several major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages. Luxury and niche cruise lines such as Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, Seabourn, and Azamara also operate sailings from the terminal.
2. Is the Port of Los Angeles the same as the Port of Long Beach cruise terminal?
No. They are two separate cruise terminals. The Port of Long Beach cruise terminal is dedicated almost exclusively to Carnival Cruise Line, while the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro serves many other major and luxury cruise lines.
3. Where is the Port of Los Angeles cruise terminal located?
The Port of Los Angeles cruise terminal is located at the World Cruise Center in San Pedro, California, serving passengers departing from the Los Angeles area.
4. Which cruise lines depart from the Long Beach cruise terminal?
The Port of Long Beach cruise terminal is primarily used by Carnival Cruise Line.
5. What destinations can you cruise to from the Port of Los Angeles?
Cruises departing from San Pedro commonly include itineraries to the Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast and California Coast, Hawaii, South Pacific, Alaska repositioning routes, and Panama Canal.
6. Can I get a car service from LAX to the Port of Los Angeles cruise terminal?
Yes. Travelers can arrange private transportation from LAX Airport to the Port of Los Angeles / San Pedro World Cruise Center, making it easier to travel directly from the airport to the cruise terminal.
7. Can I get transportation from the Port of Los Angeles to LAX Airport?
Yes. Private car service can also be arranged from the San Pedro cruise terminal to LAX Airport for passengers returning from their cruise.
8. Do you provide transportation from LAX to the Port of Long Beach cruise terminal?
Yes. LAX Car Service can provide private transportation between LAX Airport and the Port of Long Beach cruise terminal, including transportation for Carnival Cruise Line passengers.
9. Should I book transportation to the cruise terminal in advance?
Yes. Booking in advance helps you plan your airport-to-cruise transfer and avoid last-minute transportation concerns, especially around cruise departure times.
10. Do you provide cruise transportation to both Long Beach and San Pedro?
Yes. LAX Car Service can serve passengers traveling to both the Port of Long Beach Cruise Terminal and the Port of Los Angeles / San Pedro World Cruise Center.
