Port of LA - San Pedro
Hotels near Los Angeles Cruise Port
The Port of Los Angeles – also known as the San Pedro World Cruise Terminal – is located about 20–30 miles south of downtown Los Angeles along the waterfront.
Most travelers choose between staying near the cruise terminal or closer to LAX Airport, depending on their travel plans, while nearby Long Beach can be an alternative for more hotel options.
Many travelers look for hotels with a free shuttle to the cruise port. While some hotels do offer this, availability is often limited and may require advance booking.
For the simplest cruise morning, staying near the terminal is the most convenient option, while LAX hotels are a practical alternative if you’re arriving late or want more choice.
Hotels with Shuttle to Los Angeles Cruise Port
Only a small number of hotels offer a shuttle to the Port of Los Angeles, and availability may vary.DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro – Port of Los Angeles
Located close to the port, with a free shuttle to San Pedro cruise terminal. A quieter option set in a marina area, with on-site dining.
Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel by IHG
One of the most popular options in San Pedro, within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Shuttle service is available, though usually for a small fee.
Vagabond Inn San Pedro
A budget-friendly option with a complimentary transport to the cruise terminal, though facilities are more basic.
Bestsellers
Crowne Plaza Hotel Los Angeles Harbor
★★★★
Best for: Walkable location & restaurants
One of the closest hotels to the port, within walking distance of restaurants and bars. Shuttle service is available, usually for a small fee.
DoubleTree San Pedro
★★★
Best for: Free shuttle + relaxed stay
Located near the Port of Los Angeles, with a free transfer to the cruise terminal. Set in a marina area, making it a quieter and more relaxed option.
Guest Harbor Inn
★
Best for: Simple budget stay
A straightforward, budget-friendly option close to the port. Ideal for a simple overnight stay before your cruise, with easy access to nearby restaurants.
Most travelers choose between staying near the Port of Los Angeles or closer to LAX Airport, depending on their travel plans. Because the port is located outside central Los Angeles, your choice has a big impact on travel time and overall convenience.
San Pedro (Best for convenience)
The closest area to the cruise terminal and the easiest option on embarkation day. Travel times are short, and some hotels offer shuttle services.
Hotels here vary in style – some are located near restaurants and bars, while others are set in quieter marina areas.
Hotel choices are limited compared to other parts of Los Angeles.
Long Beach (Best balanced option)
Located about 20-30 minutes from the port, with more hotels, restaurants, and a nicer waterfront atmosphere.
Many travelers prefer this area for a more enjoyable pre-cruise stay, even though it requires a short Uber ride to the terminal.
Less convenient on cruise morning compared to staying near the port.
LAX Airport (Best for flights & value)
A practical choice if you arrive late or want more hotel options and lower prices.
Most hotels offer airport shuttles, but getting to the cruise port usually requires a rideshare. Travel time can vary depending on traffic.
Less convenient due to distance and the extra step of arranging transport to the port.
Our Advice
Stay in San Pedro if you want the simplest and most stress-free cruise morning.
Flying into LA
Los Angeles International Airport is the most common airport for cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, with a large number of nearby hotels offering free airport shuttles.
However, hotels with a free shuttle directly to the cruise port are very limited. In most cases, travelers stay near LAX and take an Uber or taxi to the terminal on embarkation day.
Some travelers also choose Long Beach Airport, which is closer to the port and easier to navigate, though flights are usually more limited and sometimes more expensive.
If you arrive late at night or want to save money, staying near LAX can still be a practical option before your cruise.
Car Parking
Parking at the Port of Los Angeles is generally considered straightforward and convenient, especially compared to other large cruise ports in California.
Terminal Parking (Best option)
Secure parking is available directly at the cruise terminal, typically around $20–25 per day (rates may vary).
Many travelers prefer parking at the port because you can simply walk from your car to the ship within a few minutes, making luggage handling much easier.
Although some hotels offer Park & Cruise options, these are not always cheaper once rideshare or transfer costs are included.
Parking rates and terminal details may change, so it’s worth checking the official port website before your trip.
Hotels with Cruise Parking
Some hotels near the port and LAX offer overnight parking or Park & Cruise packages if you arrive the day before your sailing.
However, many travelers still choose terminal parking for simplicity, convenience, and shorter transfer times on embarkation day.
Los Angeles Cruise Terminal
The Port of Los Angeles, also known as the World Cruise Center, is located in San Pedro along the Los Angeles waterfront.
The terminal is primarily used by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Carnival Cruise Line sailings in the Los Angeles area depart instead from the nearby Long Beach Cruise Terminal.
Most travelers arrive by taxi, Uber, or private car, with hotels near the port and LAX being the most popular pre-cruise options.
Sailing from Another California Cruise Port?
If your cruise departs from a different port along the California coast, you may also need a hotel in that area.
- Long Beach Cruise Terminal – popular for Carnival cruises and located about 20–30 minutes from San Pedro
- Port of San Diego – one of the easiest cruise ports in California, with several hotels within walking distance
- Port of San Francisco – convenient for Alaska and Pacific Coast itineraries
Always double-check your departure port before booking a hotel, as travel times between California cruise ports can be significant.