Fastest ~15 min by helicopter
| ⛴️ Ferry | ~1h | Catalina Express from Long Beach or San Pedro; most frequent |
| ⛴️ Ferry | ~1h15 | Catalina Flyer, one round trip daily from Newport Beach |
| Helicopter | ~15 min | Island Express, San Pedro-Avalon; scenic, limited flights |
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Catalina Island sits about 35 km off the Los Angeles coast, close enough to reach in about an hour by boat, yet feels far more removed than the crossing time suggests — the main town of Avalon runs mostly on golf carts rather than cars. A handful of ferry terminals around the LA basin and Orange County make it an easy day trip or overnight escape, with a fast helicopter option for anyone in more of a hurry.
Catalina Express
Catalina Express is the main ferry operator, running frequent daily services to Avalon from three terminals: Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point in Orange County. The crossing takes around an hour from Long Beach or San Pedro, a little longer from Dana Point, aboard large catamarans with indoor and outdoor seating. It's the option most visitors use, with enough daily departures to build a same-day return trip around, though summer weekends get busy and it's worth booking ahead rather than turning up and hoping for space.
The Newport Beach alternative
The Catalina Flyer runs a single daily round trip from Newport Beach, further south in Orange County, taking around 75 minutes each way. It's a useful option for anyone already based in that part of the coast, though with only one sailing a day each direction it requires more careful planning than the more frequent Catalina Express services.
The helicopter
For a faster, pricier crossing, Island Express Helicopters flies between San Pedro and Avalon in around 15 minutes, a scenic option some visitors choose for the novelty as much as the time saved, or to fit more into a tight schedule. It's a small operation with limited daily flights, so book ahead if this is your plan.
Driving to the terminal
All three main ferry terminals — Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point — are within easy reach of central Los Angeles by car, generally somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour depending on traffic and your starting point. Paid parking is available at each terminal for those leaving a car behind for the day or longer; see our driving in the USA guide for the basics if you're self-driving more widely around Southern California.
Getting around Avalon without a car
Private car ownership on Catalina is tightly restricted, with a long waiting list for island residents, so almost nobody brings a vehicle across, and there's little reason to try. Golf carts are the practical local transport and can be rented by visitors for a few hours or a full day, while the town of Avalon itself is small and walkable, with most hotels, restaurants and the waterfront within easy reach on foot from the ferry landing.
Two Harbors: the quieter side
Beyond Avalon, the island's other settlement, Two Harbors, sits at a narrow isthmus on the island's less-developed western side and offers a far quieter, more rugged alternative — some Catalina Express sailings serve it directly, though less frequently than Avalon. It's popular with hikers, campers and divers rather than day-trippers, and a reasonable choice if Avalon's more built-up harbourfront isn't what you're after.
Which should you choose?
Catalina Express from Long Beach or San Pedro is the right choice for most visitors, with enough sailings to plan a comfortable day trip or longer stay. The Newport Beach ferry suits those already in Orange County, and the helicopter is worth it for a scenic, time-saving splurge. Once on the island, rely on golf carts and walking rather than a car. If you're exploring more of the coast, see our Los Angeles to San Diego and Los Angeles to Santa Barbara guides, or our San Francisco to Los Angeles guide if you're continuing up the state. New to the city? Start with Los Angeles airport to the city.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Los Angeles to Catalina Island?
Catalina Express ferries run from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, taking around an hour to Avalon. A helicopter from San Pedro takes about 15 minutes.
How far is Catalina Island from Los Angeles?
About 35 km off the coast, roughly an hour by ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro, or 15 minutes by helicopter.
Can I take a car to Catalina Island?
Effectively no — vehicle space on the ferries is extremely limited and mainly reserved for residents, and private car ownership on the island is tightly restricted. Golf carts are the normal way to get around.
Should I visit Avalon or Two Harbors?
Avalon is the main town, with most hotels, restaurants and things to do — the right choice for most visitors. Two Harbors is quieter and more rugged, better suited to hikers and campers.
Sources and further reading:
- Catalina Express — ferry schedules from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.
- Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce — visitor information for Avalon and Two Harbors.