If you are wondering what to do on Layover in LA after cruise before flying home the same day, you have two options: (1) sit in the airport and wait for your airplane; or (2) explore sunny California.
If your flight leaves before noon, you will not have much time to spare. Your best option is to head to the airport after you get off the ship. Most airlines recommend that you arrive a minimum of two hours prior to your departure time for domestic flights and a minimum of three hours for international flights.
Los Angeles is the fifth largest airport in the United States and it will take extra time to check-in, go through security, and find your gate. Plus, you need to allocate time to get from the cruise terminal to the airport.
How far is the cruise terminal to Los Angeles Airport?
There are two main cruise terminals near Los Angeles: (1) San Pedro Cruise Terminal; and (2) Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Both cruise terminals are located approximately 20 miles (or 35 kilometres) from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The transport time from LA’s cruise terminals to LAX is approximately 30 minutes. Depending on traffic conditions, the commute may be longer.
What can I do in Los Angeles after my cruise?
If your flight doesn’t leave until the evening, you may have time in Los Angeles to do some exploring. Here are some options:
1. Take a Tour of Los Angeles
There are lots of tours of Los Angeles and surrounding areas available. However, not all tours offer pick-up service from the cruise terminal.
Here are 3 Tour Companies that will pick you up from the cruise terminal:
- Cruise Line Tour. If you are looking for a convenient tour, the tours organized by the cruise line you are sailing are the way to go. Port tours organized through the cruise line will pick you up from the cruise port and drop you off at the airport after your tour. Plus, you don’t need to worry about your luggage since you can store it on the tour bus. Tours of Los Angeles booked through the cruise line typically cost around US$100 per person. Be sure to check airport drop-off times before selecting this option.
- Sunseeker Tours is a tour company that offers pick-up service from cruise terminals in San Pedro and Long Beach. Tour Prices are: $149/adult and $99/child. Check length of tour and airport drop-off times before selecting this tour.
- ToursByLocals.com This website provides a listing of tours offered by locals. Before booking a tour, do your due diligence and check reviews. Tours start at US$500. If you select this option, arrange for your tour guide to pick you up from the cruise terminal and drop you off at the airport before you book.
2. Rent a Car (and choose your own adventure)
After you disembark the cruise ship, you can take an uber, taxi, or shuttle to the airport. Once you get to the airport, you can rent a car. To avoid disappointment, be sure to pre-book your car rental. I like to pre-book my car rental through Costco Travel. In my opinion, car rental prices through Costco Travel are typically the best!
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore what you want to see at your own pace. Plus, you can store your luggage in your car rental while you explore!
Once you have a set of wheels, the places you can go are plentiful. Here are a few options:
(a) Go to Venice Beach or Santa Monica Pier
Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier are both relatively close to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Santa Monica Pier offers a carnival-like atmosphere complete with rides, carnival games, and food vendors.
You can walk from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach in about 45-60 minutes along a boardwalk. Venice Beach is known to be a bit more artsy and great for people-watching.
You will find an abundance of shops and vendors selling t-shirts, tchotchkes, artwork, drinks, food, and more in Venice Beach.
Close to Venice Beach is “Muscle Beach”. Muscle Beach is an outdoor gym facility where all genders come to work out.
You may see some beefy guys at Muscle Beach, including this one:
(b) Take a Stroll on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
Depending on what time your flight leaves, you may have time to drive to Hollywood. You can check out the famous “Hollywood Stars” or take a bus tour in Hollywood.
Here is a 2-hour bus tour for $44 per adult (or $34 per child) that leaves every hour. Although I have not personally taken this tour, it is on my list for another time.
(c) Go Shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
If shopping is your thing, why not go shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Shop with the rich and famous on this popular street in Beverly Hills.
Always give yourself ample time when driving in the Los Angeles (and area) as you never know when you might experience traffic delays.
Please Note: The car rental services available at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) are situated outside the airport premises. These rental companies provide complimentary shuttle transportation to the airport. However, it might require more than thirty minutes to travel from the rental location to your designated airport terminal.
3. Get a Hotel Day Pass
Several hotels close to the Los Angeles International Airport offer a dayroom or a resort day-pass. This gives you privileges to use the hotel’s pool, gym, towels, and other facilities. Plus, some hotels offer an airport shuttle and a place to store your luggage. Check out ResortPass.com for more details.
4. Take an Uber to the Getty Museum
Travelling with luggage in tow is not convenient. That is why I love places like the Getty Museum.
The Getty Museum has a special area where you can check your luggage. According the the Getty Museum website, all bags can be checked-in at the Coat Check in the Museum Entrance Hall. Yes, that includes luggage!! More details can be found here.
Admission to the Getty Museum is FREE!!! A timed entry ticket is required to enter the Getty Museum. Be sure to reserve your FREE ticket here. For additional information about what this famous museum has to offer, check out their website: https://www.getty.edu/
5. Relax in the Airport Lounge
After a cruise, you may feel like just relaxing. Many airports offer Airline Lounges for qualifying members. These Airline Lounges offer complimentary WIFI, free food, free drinks, and a comfortable place to relax before your flight. Services vary.
Yes, the perks of Airport Lounges are pretty sweet….and you can enjoy them for free. I had never even heard about Airport Lounges until recently. Check out my post about How to Get Airport Lounge Access Free where I provide a deeper dive into the perks of Airport Lounges and how to get free access.
6. Read a Book / Play a Game at the Airport
If you only have a few hours to spare, find an open seat at the airport and read a book. My teenage niece told me that these books are on her reading list. If you don’t feel like reading, find a lounge and have a drink. Better yet, play a game with your family.
Will I have time to go to Disneyland after my cruise?
Probably not. If you want to go to Disneyland after your cruise, do not book your return flight on the same day that your cruise returns to Los Angeles. You do not want to be rushed exploring the “Happiest place on earth”.
With so much to do and see in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, you will wish you had another day (or week) to explore the sights. Time to book another trip and cruise!!
Before you go, check out my other posts:
Cruise Jokes that will make you belly laugh
Until next time,
Shelley
XOXO