Santa Monica, CA, known for its iconic pier and vibrant beach culture, offers a quintessential Southern California experience. Just a short drive away, Long Beach, CA boasts a bustling waterfront and the historic Queen Mary.
Traveling between these two coastal gems is a common journey for both locals and tourists. Whether for business, leisure, or a scenic day trip, the route promises diverse experiences.
Exploring transportation options reveals the best ways to navigate this picturesque journey.
5 Ways to go from Santa Monica, CA to Long Beach, CA
1. Shuttle Service
Shuttle Service offers a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel from Santa Monica, CA to Long Beach, CA. This shared transportation option is ideal for those looking for a cost-effective and reliable way to get around without the hassle of driving.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Factors such as traffic conditions and the number of stops can affect the duration. Opting for express services can reduce travel time.
- Cost: Prices generally range from $20 to $40 per person. Costs can vary based on peak hours, advance booking, and service tiers. Booking in advance often secures lower rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Shuttle Service through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. We make the booking process straightforward and user-friendly.
- Pros: Shuttle Service is economical and eliminates the stress of navigating traffic. It also offers the convenience of door-to-door service, making it a hassle-free option for travelers.
Shuttle Service is best for budget-conscious travelers who prefer a shared ride experience. For a smooth trip, consider booking during off-peak hours and planning ahead.
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Luxury Car Service offers a private, high-end transportation option for those seeking comfort and convenience. It provides a seamless travel experience with professional chauffeurs, premium vehicles, and personalized service, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers.
- Travel time: The journey from Santa Monica to Long Beach typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Factors such as traffic conditions and time of day can affect the duration. Opting for a direct route can help minimize travel time.
- Cost: Prices for Luxury Car Service range from $100 to $200, depending on factors like peak hours, vehicle type, and advance booking. Booking during off-peak times or in advance can help secure better rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Luxury Car Service through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. Our platform simplifies the process, ensuring a hassle-free reservation.
- Pros: Luxury Car Service offers unparalleled comfort, privacy, and convenience. With professional drivers and premium vehicles, you can enjoy a stress-free journey. Additionally, the service is customizable to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Luxury Car Service is best for business travelers, special occasions, or anyone seeking a premium travel experience. For the best experience, consider booking in advance and during off-peak hours.
3. Private Driver
Private Driver is a personalized transportation service offering a private, comfortable, and convenient way to travel. It provides a luxury experience with door-to-door service, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
- Travel time: The trip from Santa Monica to Long Beach typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Factors like traffic congestion and time of day can affect the duration. Opting for a faster route or traveling during off-peak hours can reduce travel time.
- Cost: Prices for a Private Driver service range from $80 to $150. Costs can vary based on peak hours, advance booking, and the type of vehicle chosen. Booking in advance or during non-peak times can help secure better rates.
- Booking process: You can easily find and book Private Driver services through Mozio. Be sure to book 12 hours in advance for the best experience possible. The platform allows you to compare options and choose the best service for your needs.
- Pros: Choosing a Private Driver offers several benefits, including privacy, comfort, and flexibility. You can enjoy a direct route without stops, personalized service, and the convenience of being picked up and dropped off at your exact locations.
Private Driver is ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious and stress-free journey. For the best experience, consider booking in advance and traveling during off-peak hours.
4. Public Transportation
Public transportation in Santa Monica, CA, offers a budget-friendly and shared travel option to Long Beach, CA. It involves using buses and trains operated by agencies like Metro and Big Blue Bus, providing an economical and eco-friendly way to travel.
- Travel time: The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Factors such as traffic, layovers, and schedule frequency can affect the duration. Opting for express services can reduce travel time.
- Cost: The cost ranges from $1.75 to $3.50 per trip, depending on the service and any transfers required. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and frequent travelers through passes and off-peak travel.
- Booking process: Tickets can be purchased online, via mobile apps, or at stations. While advance reservations are not required, it is advisable to check schedules and plan ahead, especially during peak hours.
- Pros and cons: Public transportation is cost-effective and reduces carbon footprint. However, it may involve multiple transfers and longer travel times compared to driving. It is less flexible but offers a reliable alternative to avoid traffic congestion.
Public transportation is ideal for budget-conscious travelers and those looking to reduce their environmental impact. For a smoother experience, plan your trip in advance and consider off-peak travel times.
5. Uber/Rideshare
Uber and other rideshare services offer a convenient way to travel from Santa Monica to Long Beach. These services provide private, shared, and luxury ride options, catering to various budgets and preferences. Booking is typically done through a mobile app, making it easy and accessible.
- Travel time: The journey from Santa Monica to Long Beach usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Factors like traffic congestion, time of day, and route choice can affect the duration. Opting for faster routes or using express services can reduce travel time.
- Cost: The cost for an Uber ride between these locations generally ranges from $40 to $70. Pricing can fluctuate based on peak hours, demand, and the type of service selected. Discounts and budget-friendly options, such as Uber Pool, can help lower costs.
- Booking process: Travelers can book rides through the Uber app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. While advance reservations are not required, booking ahead during peak times is advisable to ensure availability.
- Pros and cons: The main benefits of using Uber include convenience, door-to-door service, and multiple ride options. However, drawbacks include potential surge pricing during high-demand periods and variability in driver availability.
Uber/Rideshare is ideal for travelers seeking a flexible and comfortable ride without the hassle of public transportation. For the best experience, consider booking during non-peak hours and exploring shared ride options to save on costs.
Distance between Santa Monica, CA and Long Beach, CA
The distance between Santa Monica, CA, and Long Beach, CA, is approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers). Notable landmarks along the route include the iconic Venice Beach and the bustling Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Travel time between Santa Monica, CA and Long Beach, CA
- Shuttle Service: Typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Travel time can vary due to multiple stops and traffic conditions.
- Luxury Car Service: Estimated travel time is about 1 to 1.5 hours. This option offers comfort but can be affected by peak traffic hours.
- Private Driver: Usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Personalized service may reduce delays, but traffic congestion remains a factor.
- Public Transportation: Can take 2 to 2.5 hours. Includes transfers and waiting times, making it the longest option.
- Uber/Rideshare: Generally takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Travel time can fluctuate based on demand and traffic conditions.
Cost of transportation between Santa Monica, CA and Long Beach, CA
- Shuttle Service: Costs range from $20 to $40 per person. Prices can vary based on the time of day and the number of passengers. Booking in advance can often secure lower rates.
- Luxury Car Service: Expect to pay between $100 and $200. Factors like vehicle type and additional amenities can affect the price. Consider traveling during off-peak hours to save money.
- Private Driver: Typically costs range from $80 to $150. Prices are generally fixed, but booking in advance can sometimes offer discounts.
- Public Transportation: The most economical option, costing around $5 to $10. Prices depend on the specific routes and transfers. Using a transit pass can further reduce costs.
- Uber/Rideshare: Prices range from $30 to $60. Surge pricing during peak hours can increase costs. Using discount codes or sharing the ride with others can help save money.
Why traveling with Mozio is best!
- Free cancellations within 24 hours, allowing you to book a ride and still have the flexibility to change your plans.
- 24/7 customer support, a feature not commonly available with other services like Uber, ensuring you have assistance whenever you need it.
- Licensed partners, hand-picked to guarantee security and high-quality service, a rarity among transportation providers.
- Instantly guaranteed booking, dispelling any notion that our service is less efficient.
- Flight delayed? No problem. We wait, providing an extra layer of security for travelers.
Tips for traveling between Santa Monica, CA and Long Beach, CA
- Choosing the best method: Consider your budget and time constraints. Shuttle services are economical, while luxury car services offer comfort. Public transportation is cost-effective but slower.
- Time-saving strategies: Avoid peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) to minimize traffic delays. Private drivers and rideshares can use carpool lanes to save time.
- Cost-saving tips: Book in advance through services like Mozio to find deals. Public transportation is the cheapest option, while rideshares can be split with friends.
- Packing advice: For public transportation, pack light and use a backpack. For luxury services, you can afford to bring more luggage. Always keep essentials handy.
- Best travel times: Mid-morning and early afternoon are ideal for avoiding traffic. Weekends are generally less congested than weekdays.
- Local insights: Santa Monica and Long Beach have scenic routes. If time allows, enjoy the coastal views by taking the Pacific Coast Highway.
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For Travelers
Mozio simplifies ground transportation for travelers by offering a seamless booking process. Users can enter their travel details, compare various transportation options, and make a reservation all in one place. This platform stands out by providing a wide range of choices, from taxis to shuttles, ensuring that every traveler finds the perfect ride for their needs.
One of the unique benefits of using Mozio is its extensive coverage, servicing thousands of destinations worldwide. Whether you're heading to a bustling city or a remote getaway, Mozio has you covered. This extensive network allows travelers to explore new places with ease, knowing they have reliable transportation options at their fingertips.
For Travel Agent
For travel agents, Mozio offers a streamlined platform to manage ground transportation bookings efficiently. Agents can register, create an account, and start booking a variety of transportation options, from sedans to water taxis, for their clients. The platform also provides additional services like eSIMs and airport parking, enhancing the overall travel experience.
One of the standout features for travel agents is Mozio's extensive global coverage, which includes millions of routes in 180 countries and over 3,500 airports. This ensures that agents can offer reliable transportation options to clients, no matter the destination. Additionally, agents benefit from a 5% discount on transportation rates and the ability to set their own commission, making Mozio a valuable tool for enhancing their booking process.