Getting to Catalina Island
By sea or air, getting to Catalina Island is easy and fun via several modes of transportation. You can get to Catalina Island by passenger ferry boat from four mainland ports in southern California. The ferry is the most popular way to Catalina and the ride is only about an hour.
The Catalina Express offers service from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point.
The Catalina Flyer offers passenger ferry service from Newport Beach.
For directions to and information about the specific terminals, please visit the ferry terminals page.
Getting to Catalina by helicopter takes about 15 minutes via Maverick Helicopters. Daily departures are available to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank Airport and John Wayne Airport/SNA.
Daily Scheduled Service
Passenger Ferry Boat & Helicopter
Getting to Two Harbors
Transportation to Two Harbors is available via the Catalina Express from San Pedro. You can also travel seasonally between Avalon and Two Harbors on the Cyclone boat. Private Charter Transportation, and Charter Services to Two Harbors and Emerald Bay are also available. You can also travel by private aircraft or private boat!
Once on the island, the town of Avalon or the village of Two Harbors are easy to navigate by foot – Avalon is only about three-square miles. Taxi and shuttle bus transportation can take you to your destination, or you can rent bicycles or one of our iconic golf carts.
Transportation to Catalina Island
Transportation
How do you get to Catalina Island?
The majority of visitors take a passenger ferry to Catalina Island; either the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer. Visitors can also fly on a helicopter; service provided by Maverick Helicopters.
People can also get to Catalina Island via private boat or private aircraft.
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What is the best mainland port to depart from to go to Catalina Island?
A. The Catalina Express departs from two Los Angeles County ports in Long Beach and San Pedro. These ports are most convenient to Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). They also operate out of Dana Point in south Orange County. Dana Point is most convenient for travelers from south Orange County, CA and the Greater San Diego area.
The Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach in central Orange County. This port is convenient to John Wayne Airport (SNA) and all Orange County locations.
How much does it cost to get to Catalina Island?
The passenger ferry to Catalina Island costs $84 round trip on the Catalina Express. The Catalina Express departs from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. The cost on the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach is $78 round trip.
*Prices are subject to change.
What is the fastest way to get to Catalina Island?
The fastest way to get to Catalina Island is via helicopter. It takes 15 minutes to fly from mainland Southern California to Catalina Island. The service is provided by Maverick Helicopters.
Catalina Flyer from Newport
$10 Off Catalina Island Ferry
Hop onboard the Catalina Flyer for daily ferry service from Newport Beach to Avalon, Catalina Island in just over 1 hour.
Transportation
How do you get to Catalina Island?
The majority of visitors take a passenger ferry to Catalina Island; either the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer. Visitors can also fly on a helicopter; service provided by Maverick Helicopters.
People can also get to Catalina Island via private boat or private aircraft.
Read More