Catalina Island from Long Beach | Ferry Times And Costs

The Long Beach–Avalon ferry takes about one hour and costs $42 one way for most adults; helicopters take 15 minutes from $199.

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A missed return sailing can turn a day trip into an unplanned overnight, so timing matters more than the crossing itself. For Catalina Island from Long Beach, Catalina Express to Avalon is the lowest-cost direct option, while a helicopter suits travelers who value time more than fare savings.

The ferry runs year-round, with more departures during busy periods. Reserve both directions before arrival, especially for summer weekends, holiday dates, and the final evening return.

Compare available transport and transfer choices for your dates here:

Long Beach To Catalina Island: Ferry Or Helicopter

The Catalina Express ferry works for nearly every visitor because the crossing takes about one hour and arrives beside central Avalon. Maverick Helicopters cuts the air time to about 15 minutes, but its listed fares begin at $199.

• Choose the ferry for a day trip, family outing, or lower-cost overnight visit.
• Choose the helicopter when a short transfer matters more than price or when ferry times do not fit the plan.
• Do not plan to bring a private car. Catalina Island has no visitor car ferry, and full-size vehicles are tightly restricted.

Long Beach sailings serve Avalon, not Two Harbors. Travelers headed straight to Two Harbors should check departures from San Pedro instead.

Where To Board In Long Beach

Catalina Express leaves from Catalina Landing at 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802. The terminal sits near the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and the Pike waterfront area.

The terminal parking facility currently lists a $26.95 maximum for each 24-hour period. Overnight parking is allowed, and no advance parking reservation is listed as necessary, but the operator can change the rate.

Arrive about one hour before departure. Passengers need tickets in hand and must be ready to board at least 30 minutes before sailing; arriving inside the final 15 minutes can result in forfeited seats.

How Long Does The Ferry Take?

The Long Beach–Avalon crossing takes about one hour on Catalina Express. A realistic terminal-to-Avalon plan is closer to two hours after check-in, boarding, the crossing, and disembarkation are counted.

Sea conditions can change how the ride feels without changing the published schedule. Travelers prone to motion sickness may prefer a seat near the center of the vessel and a clear view of the horizon.

2026 Fares And Travel Choices

Catalina Express currently lists a $42 one-way adult fare from Long Beach to Avalon, while age-based fares cost less. The prices below are current listed amounts and may change by travel date or operator.

An adult round trip on the standard ferry is $84 before parking, food, upgraded seating, or island transport. A same-day visit does not reduce the published passenger fare, so compare the full day’s cost rather than the crossing alone.

Summer 2026 Sailing Times

Catalina Express schedules frequent Long Beach sailings from June 22 through September 7, 2026, but the final pattern changes on Fridays and weekends. Check the official Long Beach–Avalon schedule again shortly before travel because added or withdrawn sailings may not match a saved timetable.

Day-trip timing: An early outbound and a late return can provide roughly 10 to 14 hours in Avalon, but the exact span depends on the date selected.

Where To Stay After The Ferry

Avalon is the practical overnight base because the Long Beach ferry lands at Cabrillo Mole, within walking distance of the town center. Staying near Crescent Avenue reduces the need for a taxi or golf cart after arrival.

Use the map below to compare lodging around the harbor, town center, and Descanso area:

Travelers staying only for the day should reserve the return ferry before choosing activities. The last useful sailing can sell out, and missing it may require an overnight room or a costly air transfer.

What To Pack And When To Arrive

Catalina Express allows each passenger two pieces of baggage up to 50 pounds each, plus one smaller carry-on that fits at the seat. The published maximum checked-bag dimensions are 23 by 23 by 37 inches, while the carry-on limit is 12 by 12 by 24 inches.

• Bring a government-issued photo ID that matches the card used for payment.
• Carry a light layer because outdoor decks can feel cool during the crossing.
• Keep medicine, documents, electronics, and a water bottle in the smaller bag.
• Leave extra time for weekend traffic and the walk from the parking area.

Large sporting gear and hazardous materials face separate limits. Surfboards over 9 feet, kayaks, fuel, charcoal, propane, and hoverboards are among the items barred under the published baggage rules.

Should You Take The Ferry Or Helicopter?

The ferry is the right pick for budget, families, and most day trips; the helicopter is the right pick for the shortest crossing. A standard adult ferry round trip costs $84 and takes about two hours of total sailing time, while the helicopter starts far higher but cuts each crossing to about 15 minutes.

• For the lowest fare: take the standard Catalina Express ferry.
• For the longest day in Avalon: reserve the earliest outbound and latest available return.
• For rough-water concerns: consider the helicopter or choose a calm-weather date.
• For Two Harbors: depart from San Pedro rather than Long Beach.
• For an overnight stay: choose lodging near central Avalon and leave time for terminal check-in both ways.

The simplest plan is an advance round-trip ferry reservation, arrival at Catalina Landing one hour early, and a fixed return time that leaves a buffer before the final sailing.