To get from LAX to Long Beach, you can drive via southbound I-405 and I-710, take a taxi or ride app, or use Metro Line 232. The bus connects Downtown Long Beach with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, where a free shuttle links to the airport terminals.
- By car: LAX to Downtown Long Beach is routed via southbound I-405 and I-710.
- By bus: Metro Line 232 connects Downtown Long Beach with the LAX/Metro Transit Center.
- Taxi: LAX gives a fare of $72 or more to Downtown Long Beach.
- Airport shuttle: Limousine, taxi and airport-shuttle service operate between LAX and Long Beach.
How far is LAX from Long Beach?
LAX and Long Beach are connected by road and by Metro Line 232, but the supplied travel times describe the trip from the motel rather than a LAX-to-downtown journey. For a starting point in Long Beach, Los Angeles International Airport is about 31 minutes by car from Royal Inn, the two-star motel.
For a direct road route toward Downtown Long Beach, Visit Long Beach directs drivers south on I-405, then south on I-710. The time taken can depend on traffic, so treat the route as a direction rather than a trip-duration promise.
Driving, taxi, and rideshare choices
Driving, a taxi and a ride app each provide a road-based option from LAX, with different pickup arrangements and cost information.
Driving
Follow southbound I-405 and then southbound I-710 toward Downtown Long Beach. Scheduled bus and shuttle services may offer pre-booking or walk-up service, so contact the provider to confirm whether advance booking is required.
Taxi
LAX gives a taxi fare of $72 or more to Downtown Long Beach. Taxi passengers use LAX-it, the central pickup lot next to Terminal 1. You can walk there or board the free shuttle on the Lower/Arrivals Level, at the inner curb outside baggage claim, by the green LAX-it signs.
Ride apps
LAX names Lyft, Opoli, Uber and Wingz as ride-app services. Their rates vary with demand and traffic conditions, and pickups are at LAX-it. From baggage claim, follow the green signs to the shuttle boarding point or walk to the lot.
How do you get from LAX to Long Beach by public transit?
Metro Line 232 is the bus connection between Downtown Long Beach and the LAX/Metro Transit Center, with a free shuttle from the transit center to the airport terminals.
Line 232 runs via Sepulveda Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. The service runs about every 30 minutes on weekdays, with a modified schedule on weekends and holidays. Metro names Lines 102, 111, 117, 120 and 232 as services to the LAX/Metro Transit Center; Line 232 is the route serving Downtown Long Beach.
At the LAX/Metro Transit Center, take the free, frequent shuttle to the terminals from Bus Bays 1 and 2. Metro also describes a rail alternative: take the C or K Line to the transit center, then transfer to that shuttle.
For a separate airport connection in the city, how to get from Long Beach Airport to the motel covers the other local airport.
The regular Metro fare is $1.75 one way, including free transfers within two hours when you tap to pay. Payment methods include TAP, credit or debit card, Apple Wallet and cash on buses. Line 232’s northbound first and last departures from Long Beach are 4:38 a.m. and 9:58 p.m.; southbound departures from LAX are 5:21 a.m. and 11:47 p.m.
Choosing a route for your arrival time
Choose your route by matching the pickup or transfer steps to your arrival time, then confirm current service details with the operator.
If you’re using Line 232, compare your arrival with its first and last departures in each direction and allow for the terminal shuttle connection. The weekday service runs about every 30 minutes, while weekends and holidays follow a modified schedule.
If your flight arrives outside the listed bus hours, a taxi, ride app, car or booked shuttle may fit better; check the provider’s pickup and booking arrangements.
For local travel after you reach Long Beach, Line 232 serves Downtown Long Beach, and the A Line runs to Long Beach. Metro identifies the A Line route as Pomona–Long Beach. You can also use how to get around Downtown Long Beach from the motel area to plan onward city travel.
Before you go: Schedules, fares and pickup arrangements can change, so check the official LAX and Metro sites before you go.
FAQs
Does Metro run directly from LAX to Downtown Long Beach?
Metro Line 232 connects Downtown Long Beach with the LAX/Metro Transit Center. From there, a free shuttle serves the airport terminals.
Where do taxis and ride apps pick up at LAX?
Taxi and ride-app passengers use LAX-it, the central lot next to Terminal 1. You can walk there or take the free shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level.
How much is a taxi from LAX to Downtown Long Beach?
LAX gives the fare as $72 or more.