Can You Drive To Catalina Island?
Many people want to know whether they can drive onto Catalina Island from mainland California.
You cannot drive to or from Catalina Island. Catalina Island (formerly known as Santa Catalina) can only be reached by a passenger-only boat that departs from four different spots along the California coast and takes one hour; no cars are permitted on the island.
You may drive from Los Angeles or San Diego to one of these four ferry departure sites, park your car, and take a quick ferry ride to Avalon or Two Harbors on Catalina Island.
When driving to Catalina Island from downtown Los Angeles, use I-110 to Long Beach or I-710S to San Pedro Port and then take the boat over. From San Diego, take I-5N north to Newport Beach or Dana Point and catch the ferry.
Continue reading to learn more about driving to Catalina Island, including which ports are nearest to you and what you need to know about taking the boat.
Is it possible to drive to Catalina?
It is impossible to drive to Catalina Island. The island is 29 miles off the coast of the mainland USA and has no bridges, causeways, or tunnels; in fact, cars are prohibited on the island entirely.
It is, however, relatively simple to drive to one of four departure sites and board a ferry to Santa Catalina Island instead.
The nearest ferries to Catalina Island from downtown Los Angeles depart from Long Beach and San Pedro, albeit only San Pedro goes to Two Harbors.
The distance from central Los Angeles to San Pedro is 24 miles and 25 minutes, whereas the distance to Long Beach port is 25 miles and 30 minutes. However, keep in mind that this is Los Angeles, so travel times might vary greatly depending on traffic.
If you’re travelling to Santa Catalina Island from San Diego, you should aim for Dana Point, which is 63 miles north on I-5 and takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get to, or Newport Beach (90 miles – 1 hour 25 minutes).
If you are flying in from out of state, Los Angeles International Airport is only 39 miles away and takes approximately 35 minutes to drive. Santa Ana (SNA) and Long Beach (LGB) airports are significantly closer to Newport Beach and Long Beach ferry ports, but may be more difficult to get than LAX.
How to reach Catalina Island from Los Angeles
Avalon on Catalina Island has departure points from four separate communities along the California coast: Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.
The sole boat that travels to the port town of Two Harbors departs from San Pedro, so you’ll need to arrange tickets there if you’re going to the north end of the island.
There are two ferry services to Catalina Island
-The Catalina Express departs San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point for Avalon and Two Harbors.
-The Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach for Avalon.
San Pedro and Long Beach are the closest departure ports for Catalina Island from downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport.
-The I-110 connects downtown Los Angeles with San Pedro.
– From downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach, take the I-710S.
When traveling to Catalina Island, the nearest departure port is not always the best option. Consider your destination in Catalina Island, but keep in mind that the Catalina Flyer has luggage limits.
There are luggage constraints on the ferries.
-Passengers on the Catalina Flyer can only bring carry-on bags and two pieces of hand-carried luggage per person.
– Passengers on the Catalina Express can bring two pieces of luggage that are no more than 23 inches by 23 inches by 37 inches and weigh no more than 50 pounds apiece.
-If you plan on bringing a bike or surfboard, the Catalina Express is the only ferry that accepts big cargo. However, this is only possible when there is room. There may be an extra price.
-There are no animals allowed on the Catalina Flyer.
-The Catalina Express allows hooked and muzzled animals.
How long does it take to reach Catalina Island?
The travel time from central Los Angeles to Catalina Island, including driving time and ferry voyage, is around 2 hours, including the waiting time to board. However, traffic in Los Angeles is infamous, and 30-minute rides can often take twice as long or more.
Consider the time of day and whether it is a weekend or a holiday. Day trippers can make the ride stressful and crowded, so give yourself plenty of time to get on the ship.
Arrive for check-in at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, before the ferry leaves. If you arrive less than 15 minutes before the ferry departs, the business may cancel your reservation. Make sure you have your Catalina ferry reservation number with you.
Catalina Island is accessible via ferry from all four ports on the California coast in 60 minutes. Allow half an hour or longer to arrive to the ferry terminal from Los Angeles or San Diego, depending on the day and time of your trip:
-Downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach or San Pedro takes about 30 minutes with no traffic.
-LAX to Long Beach or San Pedro takes around 25 minutes with no traffic.
-San Diego to Newport Beach takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes with no traffic.
-San Diego to Dana Point is around 1 hour and 10 minutes with no traffic.
Things You Should Know About Driving to Catalina Island.
The Catalina Island ferries cost $37.25 one way and $74.50 return for an adult. Children pay $33.75 one way and $67.50 round trip, while newborns pay only $3 each way.
Senior citizens over the age of 55 receive a $29.50 one-way discount and a $59 return.
Check for discounts. With a roundtrip ticket to Catalina Island costing more than $70, you can save money by ordering a hotel/ferry package, either through Groupon or, on occasion, through the ferry’s website. Keep an eye out for year-round discounts that can be applied to future travel plans.
Make your travel arrangements early. While tickets can be purchased at Catalina Island ferry terminals on the day of travel, ferry seats sell out quickly during peak seasons, particularly in the summer and on holiday weekends.
Remember that there are no automobiles on Santa Catalina Island, thus locals get around on foot or by golf cart. Visitors are frequently amused to see modest golf cart-sized driveways.
Even though it is sunny in California, the ferry ride over can be rather chilly. Bring warm clothes and a waterproof jacket to protect yourself from the wind and sea spray.
Santa Catalina is part of the Channel Islands of California archipelago, and it falls inside Los Angeles County.
Catalina Island spans 76 square miles and has 52 miles of breathtaking shoreline. It’s eight miles wide and around 22 miles long.
Mount Orizaba is the island’s highest point, reaching 2,097 feet (639 meters).
California is well-known for its glass-bottom boats, spectacular scuba and snorkelling places, and panoramic vistas of the Pacific.
Catalina Island’s weather is finest in the spring and fall. June Gloom occurs in the early summer, with some days being overcast until noon or later. The sea can be choppy in the winter, and storms can make the journey difficult and even deadly.
You do not need a passport to visit Catalina Island. However, it is recommended that you bring a government-issued photo ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car to Catalina Island?
No. There are no car ferries to Catalina Island and no car rentals. Only businesses and a small number of inhabitants can possess and operate full-size automobiles on the island.
How much does it cost to get to Catalina Island?
The Catalina Express passenger ferry costs $84 round-trip. The Catalina Express leaves Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. The Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach costs $78 round fare. Pricing is subject to change.
How long does it take to drive around Catalina Island?
The Catalina Express passenger ferry costs $84 round-trip. The Catalina Express leaves Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point. The Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach costs $78 round fare. * Pricing is subject to change.
How long is the ferry ride from LA to Catalina Island?
It takes roughly an hour via high-speed ferry to arrive to heaven. Two firms provide boat transportation from the Southern California cities of Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach to both Avalon and Two Harbors.
What is the most affordable way to get to Catalina Island?
The Catalina Express ship from San Pedro or Long Beach, California, is the quickest and most cost-effective route to reach Catalina. Aside from flying, there is another way to reach Catalina Island. That’s by boat.
How many days is enough in Catalina Island?
We recommend staying on the island for at least 2-3 nights so you may take advantage of over two dozen land and marine tours or relax completely at Descanso Beach Club. Whether visiting Catalina Island for a day or staying for an extended period, we want to help you discover everything there is to see and do on this stunning island paradise.
What is best time to visit Catalina Island?
The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, while summer offers the most activities and warm weather.
For more details kindly visit https://catalinaconservancy.org
