Santa Monica, CA, USA to Long Beach, CA, USA from $2: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Santa Monica to Long Beach: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$2 TramBest price
50 kmDistance
34m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Monica to Long Beach with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Traveling From Santa Monica to Long Beach
Traveling from Santa Monica to Long Beach offers a delightful contrast, as you transition from Santa Monica's vibrant beachfront and lively atmosphere to Long Beach's rich maritime heritage and laid-back vibe.
Best Neighbourhoods in Long Beach
Long Beach features diverse neighborhoods each with distinct charm and attractions.
Belmont Shore
• Trendy shops and eateries line the streets.
• Beautiful beaches ideal for sunbathing and water sports.
Downtown Long Beach
• Home to the iconic Aquatic Park and Pine Avenue.
• Vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Bixby Knolls
• Known for its art scene and local boutiques.
• A mix of classic architecture and modern cafés.
Best Times To Visit Long Beach's Attractions
Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Long Beach's top spots.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Visiting on weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, often means fewer crowds.
The Queen Mary
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for a quieter tour experience.
Cabrillo Marina
Weekday mornings provide a peaceful atmosphere for exploring the waterfront.
Long Beach Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Long Beach enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool, wet winters, making it a desirable destination year-round. Spring and fall present the best weather for outdoor activities, while occasional marine layers can influence your beach experience, particularly in the early mornings.
Dining Recommendation in Long Beach
Try the mouthwatering shrimp tacos at The Attic, where the fusion of Southern comfort food with a California twist sets it apart from Santa Monica's seafood-centric cuisine. The rustic ambiance and focus on local ingredients create a distinctive dining atmosphere that showcases Long Beach's vibrant culinary scene.
Santa Monica - Long Beach operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Monica and Long Beach, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876Website
https://www.metro.net/
Train from Downtown Santa Monica Station to 1st Street Station
Average Duration
1h 43mEstimated price
$2-2Train from Pico Station to 1st Street Station
Average Duration
53mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 310-451-5444Website
http://bigbluebus.com
Bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to LAX New Transit Ctr Bay 13
Average Duration
42mEstimated price
$1-2Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876Website
https://www.metro.net/
Bus from LAX City Bus Center to Downtown Long Beach Station
Average Duration
1h 50mEstimated price
$2-2Contact phone
+1 877.733.3305Website
http://layellowcab.com
Taxi from Santa Monica to Long Beach
Average Duration
34mEstimated price
$120-160Drive from Santa Monica to Long Beach
Average Duration
34mEstimated price
$5-9Santa Monica to Long Beach: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Monica and Long Beach offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic 31-mile journey from Santa Monica to Long Beach, tracing the stunning coastal route as you cruise southward towards your destination. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean along the way.
💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from $5 to $9 for the drive from Santa Monica to Long Beach, making it an affordable and convenient choice for a quick getaway or day trip. Explore the diverse neighborhoods and attractions in Long Beach without breaking the bank.
⏱️ Arrive in Long Beach in just about 34 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sun, indulge in delicious seafood, and explore iconic landmarks such as the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Your road trip promises a seamless and enjoyable adventure from start to finish.
Average price
$5 - $9
🚆 Traveling by train from Santa Monica to Long Beach requires a transfer at Pico Station. The journey, with transfers included, takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes.
🚌 Route 1 involves a total travel time of 3 hours and 8 minutes covering a distance of 47.7 miles. This route includes 2 transfers: one bus towards Downtown LA - Union Stn and another towards Disneyland.
🚌 Route 2 has a similar travel time of 3 hours and 6 minutes over a distance of 48.2 miles. Like Route 1, it also has 2 transfers, first towards Downtown LA - 6th - Main, and then towards Disneyland before reaching Long Beach.
Departure Point
Downtown Santa Monica Station
Arrival Point
1st Street Station
🚌 From Santa Monica to Long Beach, there is no direct bus service. However, you can take a bus from 4th Sb & Santa Monica Place to LAX City Bus Center, and then transfer to reach Downtown Long Beach Station.
🛤️ The journey by bus, with transfers, typically takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes to reach Long Beach from Santa Monica. The services are operated by Big Blue Bus and Metro Los Angeles.
💰 The cost of a bus ticket between Long Beach and Santa Monica is $3. Plan your trip ahead and enjoy the scenic route between these two coastal cities in Southern California.
Departure Point
4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place station
Arrival Point
Downtown Long Beach Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Monica to Long Beach.
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The distance between Santa Monica and Long Beach is 25 miles, with a road distance of 31 miles. It typically takes around 30 minutes to reach Santa Monica from Long Beach by car, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, it takes approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes to reach Long Beach from Santa Monica by bus. These travel times may vary depending on traffic and other external factors.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Santa Monica to Long Beach is by tram. It costs $2 and takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes. However, if you're looking for a quicker option, taking a taxi would be ideal. Although it is more expensive, costing between $120 to $160, it only takes 34 minutes to reach Long Beach. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
The cost of traveling by bus between Santa Monica and Long Beach is $3. This is a cost-effective option for transportation between the two cities. Alternatively, if you choose to drive, you will need to consider the cost of fuel and potentially parking fees. The exact amount will depend on the current prices and the specific vehicle you are using.
The most convenient and direct way to get from Santa Monica to Long Beach without using public transportation is by driving. The distance between the two cities is 31 miles and it takes approximately 34 minutes to drive from Santa Monica to Long Beach. The cost of gas for the journey can vary, but it is estimated to be around $5 - $9.
To travel from Santa Monica to Long Beach without a car, the best option is to take the tram. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes and the cost is $2. The tram provides a convenient and affordable way to reach Long Beach from Santa Monica without the hassle of driving or finding parking.
There is no direct train or bus link between Santa Monica and Long Beach. However, there are alternative transportation options available. If you choose to travel by train, you can take a train from Downtown Santa Monica Station to Pico Station and then transfer to another train to reach Long Beach. The total journey time, including transfers, takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from 4th Sb & Santa Monica Place to LAX City Bus Center and then transfer to another bus to reach Downtown Long Beach Station. The total journey time for this option is approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Long Beach. With over 541 hotels available, visitors can find a variety of choices to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Long Beach start at $54 per night, making it affordable for budget-conscious travelers. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Santa Monica to Long Beach by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 53 km, and it would take around 2 hours and 59 minutes to complete the journey. However, it's important to note that this travel time may vary depending on factors such as road conditions and individual cycling speed. It is also recommended to take necessary safety precautions and plan your route accordingly.
Trips from Santa Monica
- Santa Monica to Ventura
- Santa Monica to Irvine
- Santa Monica to Laguna Beach
- Santa Monica to San Diego
- Santa Monica to Torrance
- Santa Monica to Huntington Beach
- Santa Monica to Redondo Beach
- Santa Monica to Bakersfield
- Santa Monica to San Jose
- Santa Monica to Pasadena
- Santa Monica to Fresno
- Santa Monica to Anaheim
- Santa Monica to San Francisco
- Santa Monica to Big Bear Lake
- Santa Monica to Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica to Joshua Tree
- Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach
- Santa Monica to Glendale
- Santa Monica to Sacramento
- Santa Monica to Las Vegas
- Santa Monica to Big Sur
- Santa Monica to Malibu
- Santa Monica to Culver City
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles
- Santa Monica to Sequoia National Park
- Santa Monica to Marina del Rey
- Santa Monica to West Hollywood
- Santa Monica to Newport Beach
- Santa Monica to Orlando
- Santa Monica to Mendocino
- Santa Monica to Santa Cruz
- Santa Monica to Pismo Beach
- Santa Monica to Oceanside
- Santa Monica to Santa Barbara
- Santa Monica to Omaha
- Santa Monica to Caracas
- Santa Monica to Avalon
- Santa Monica to Istanbul
- Santa Monica to Cabo San Lucas
- Santa Monica to Cape Canaveral
Trips to Long Beach
- Los Angeles to Long Beach
- San Diego to Long Beach
- West Hollywood to Long Beach
- Carlsbad to Long Beach
- Oxnard to Long Beach
- Redondo Beach to Long Beach
- Pasadena to Long Beach
- Oceanside to Long Beach
- San Francisco to Long Beach
- Newport Beach to Long Beach
- San Bernardino to Long Beach
- Simi Valley to Long Beach
- Burbank to Long Beach
- Riverside to Long Beach
- Las Vegas to Long Beach
- San Jose to Long Beach
- Oakland to Long Beach
- Fresno to Long Beach
- Yorba Linda to Long Beach
- Sacramento to Long Beach
- Chicago to Long Beach
- El Paso to Long Beach
- Denver to Long Beach
- Reno to Long Beach
- Bell Gardens to Long Beach
- Anaheim to Long Beach
- Torrance to Long Beach
- Irvine to Long Beach
- Downey to Long Beach
- Santa Ana to Long Beach
- Phoenix to Long Beach
- Austin to Long Beach
- Cerritos to Long Beach
- Huntington Beach to Long Beach
- Victorville to Long Beach
- Avalon to Long Beach
- Paramount to Long Beach
- Ensenada to Long Beach
- New Delhi to Long Beach
- Lomita to Long Beach