For the trip from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Long Beach, you can drive, take a taxi or ride app, or use Metro. Metro Line 232 connects Downtown Long Beach with the LAX/Metro Transit Center, while road travel offers a direct route toward downtown.
- Metro Line 232 serves Downtown Long Beach and the LAX/Metro Transit Center.
- The regular Metro fare is $1.75 one way, with free transfers within two hours when you tap to pay.
- At LAX, taxi and ride-app pickups use the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1.
What to Know About the LAX-to-Long Beach Trip
LAX and Long Beach are connected by road and public transit, but the options involve different pickup and transfer steps. The Inn at 50 Long Beach Convention Center is about a 30-minute drive from LAX; choosing a Long Beach hotel for the airport transfer gives you a place to begin the Long Beach leg.
For driving, Visit Long Beach directs motorists from LAX toward Downtown Long Beach via southbound I-405, then southbound I-710. Metro Line 232 runs between Downtown Long Beach and the LAX/Metro Transit Center via Sepulveda Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. At the airport transit center, a free shuttle connects passengers to all terminals.
If Long Beach Airport is your arrival point instead, it is about a 15-minute drive. The Long Beach Airport-to-downtown guide covers that shorter local connection.
Driving and Taxi Options
Driving follows southbound I-405 and I-710 toward Downtown Long Beach, while taxis and ride apps pick up at LAX-it. These options avoid a Metro transfer, but road conditions and ride-app demand can affect the trip and price.
At LAX, taxi and ride-app passengers go to LAX-it, the central pickup lot beside Terminal 1. You can walk there or take the free LAX-it shuttle. The shuttle boards on the Lower/Arrivals Level at the inner curb outside baggage claim, by the green LAX-it signs.
LAX identifies Lyft, Opoli, Uber and Wingz as ride-app services; their rates vary with demand and traffic. The airport gives a taxi fare of $72 or more to Downtown Long Beach. Treat that as a fare reference rather than a guaranteed final cost, and check the official site before you go.
The suggested drive uses southbound I-405 followed by southbound I-710. If you are weighing a car against transit, the Long Beach Metro and public transport guide explains local rail and bus connections.
Public Transit and Shuttle Possibilities
Metro Line 232 is the bus route connecting Downtown Long Beach to the LAX/Metro Transit Center; from there, a free shuttle serves the airport terminals. It offers a public-transit option without requiring a taxi or ride app for the whole journey.
Metro bus services to the LAX/Metro Transit Center include Lines 102, 111, 117, 120 and 232, with Line 232 serving Downtown Long Beach. The regular fare is $1.75, and riders who tap to pay can make free transfers within two hours. Payment methods include TAP, credit or debit card, Apple Wallet and cash on buses.
At the LAX/Metro Transit Center, use the free, frequent shuttle from Bus Bays 1 and 2 to connect to all LAX terminals. A rail route to the airport is also available: take the C or K Line to the transit center, then transfer to the terminal shuttle. Metro’s A Line runs to Long Beach.
Line 232 runs about every 30 minutes on weekdays, with a modified schedule on weekends and holidays. Schedules, service and fares can change, so check the official site before you go.
Choosing a Transfer for Your Arrival
Choose between road travel and Metro based on your pickup plan, luggage and schedule: taxis and ride apps use LAX-it, while the transit option involves reaching the LAX/Metro Transit Center and changing to the terminal shuttle.
If you are taking a taxi or ride app, follow the airport’s LAX-it directions after collecting your bags. For Metro, check the Line 232 schedule and transfer arrangements before setting out; weekend and holiday service differs from the weekday pattern.
Scheduled bus and shuttle services may offer advance booking or walk-up service, and some require reservations, so contact the provider.
Limousine, taxi and airport-shuttle services are available between LAX and Long Beach. Contact the service provider to confirm arrangements before relying on a pickup.
FAQs
Does Metro run between Downtown Long Beach and LAX?
Yes. Metro Line 232 connects Downtown Long Beach and the LAX/Metro Transit Center. A free shuttle runs from the transit center to the airport terminals.
How much is a taxi from LAX to Downtown Long Beach?
LAX gives a fare of $72 or more. Ride-app rates vary with demand and traffic conditions.
Where do ride apps pick up at LAX?
Ride-app pickups use LAX-it, the central lot next to Terminal 1. You can walk to the lot or take the free shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level.