If you’re looking at a map of the Southland, it looks like nothing. Just a quick hop down the 710 or the 110 freeway. But anyone who actually lives in Southern California knows that asking how far is Long Beach California from Los Angeles is a trick question. It’s about 25 miles. It’s also about an hour and a half of your life if you leave at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Distance in LA isn't measured in miles. It's measured in podcasts.
The physical gap between Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and the Long Beach waterfront is roughly 22 to 25 miles depending on your starting block. If you’re flying a drone, it’s a straight shot south. If you’re driving a Honda Civic, you’re at the mercy of the Port of Los Angeles truck traffic, the "Caldecott-esque" bottlenecks of the 405 interchange, and the general chaos of the 710.
The Brutal Reality of the 710 and 110 Corridors
Most GPS apps will default you to the I-710 South. This is the Long Beach Freeway. It was built to move cargo. Because of that, you aren't just driving with commuters; you are driving with thousands of massive shipping containers heading to the twin ports.
When you ask how far is Long Beach California from Los Angeles in terms of time, the answer varies wildly. At 3:00 AM? You can make the trip in 25 minutes. You’ll be flying. But during the "morning crawl" (6:30 AM to 10:00 AM) or the "afternoon slog" (2:00 PM to 7:00 PM), that 25-mile stretch can easily balloon to 60 or 80 minutes. Honestly, it’s soul-crushing if you aren't prepared for it.
✨ Don't miss: Santa Monica CA Weather: What Most People Get Wrong
The 110 (Harbor Freeway) is the alternative. It’s older, windier, and has those terrifyingly short on-ramps where you have to go from 0 to 60 mph in about three feet. However, if you have a FastTrak transponder, the ExpressLanes on the 110 can be a total lifesaver. It’s the difference between making your dinner reservation at The Ordinarie and calling them from a standstill near Carson to say you're running late.
Breaking Down the Neighborhood Splits
Not all of LA is "LA." If you’re starting in Santa Monica, you’re basically adding another world to your journey.
- From Santa Monica: You’re looking at about 30 miles. You have to cut across the 10 or the 405. On a bad day? That’s two hours.
- From Hollywood: It’s about 28 miles. You’ll likely take the 101 to the 110. It’s a grind.
- From Union Station (DTLA): This is the "standard" measurement. It’s 24 miles.
Can You Skip the Car? The Blue Line Experience
People forget the train exists. The Metro A Line (formerly the Blue Line) runs directly from 7th Street/Metro Center in Downtown LA all the way to downtown Long Beach.
It’s about a 50 to 60-minute ride.
Is it faster than driving? Sometimes. During rush hour, almost definitely. Plus, you don't have to worry about parking, which in Long Beach can be a nightmare near Pine Avenue or Belmont Shore. The cost is significantly lower than gas and tolls, though you do have to deal with the "character" of public transit. It’s gritty. It’s local. It stops at every single station in Compton, Willowbrook, and Long Beach. But it is consistent. If you need to know exactly how far is Long Beach California from Los Angeles in terms of a schedule, the A Line is your only predictable metric.
Why the Port of Long Beach Changes Everything
You have to understand the geography of the destination. Long Beach is one of the busiest maritime hubs on the planet. This means the infrastructure is designed for heavy-duty logistics.
When there’s a backlog at the port, the 710 becomes a parking lot for big rigs. If you’re driving a small sedan, being sandwiched between two 18-wheelers for 15 miles is intimidating. This is why many locals prefer the 110 or even taking Atlantic Boulevard or Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) if the freeways are totally red on Google Maps. PCH is slower—lots of lights—but at least you feel like you’re moving.
Does the Weather Matter?
Rarely. It’s Southern California. But "June Gloom" is real. If you’re driving down from the basin where it’s 85 degrees and sunny, you might hit a wall of thick marine layer as you approach the San Pedro Bay. It doesn't really slow down the distance, but it can make the transition from the city to the coast feel like you’ve entered a different climate zone.
✨ Don't miss: Finding Crete on a Map: Why This Mediterranean Giant is Harder to Pin Down Than You Think
Hidden Factors People Forget
Parking is the "hidden distance."
You might "arrive" in Long Beach in 40 minutes, but then you spend 20 minutes circling for a spot near the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Queen Mary. If you’re heading to the Pike Outlets, just pay for the garage. Don't fight for street parking; it’s a losing battle.
Also, check the schedule at the Long Beach Convention Center. If there’s a massive event or the Grand Prix of Long Beach is happening, the "distance" becomes irrelevant because half the streets are closed. During the Grand Prix, the city transforms into a racetrack. Don't even try to drive into the downtown core unless you have a pass.
Real Talk: Is the Commute Worth It?
People do it every day. Thousands of "Super Commuters" trek from the affordable housing in Long Beach to the high-paying jobs in DTLA or the Westside.
It’s doable. It’s just heavy.
If you’re a tourist, try to time your trip. Leave LA at 10:30 AM. You’ll miss the morning rush. You’ll get to the coast just as the sun is burning off the fog. You can grab lunch at Shoreline Village, walk the beach, and then stay for an early dinner. If you leave Long Beach by 2:30 PM, you might beat the worst of the afternoon traffic heading back north. If you miss that window, stay until 8:00 PM. Go see a show. Have a drink (responsibly). The drive back at 9:00 PM is a breeze.
Planning Your Route
- Check the 710 vs 110: Open your navigation app before you put the car in reverse. If the 710 is purple, take the 110.
- The 405 Factor: If you are coming from the Westside (LAX area), the 405 is your only real choice. It is notoriously one of the most congested freeways in America. Give yourself a 30-minute buffer beyond what the app says.
- The Metro A Line: If you're staying in a hotel near a Metro station, seriously consider the train. It drops you right in the heart of the action in Long Beach.
- Rideshare Costs: An Uber or Lyft from DTLA to Long Beach will usually run you $45 to $70. During surge pricing? It can hit $100 easily.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of the 25-mile gap between these two iconic cities, you need to be strategic. Don't just wing it.
🔗 Read more: Potter and Randall: Why the County of Amarillo Texas Doesn't Actually Exist
- Download the Go511 App: This is the local authority on Southern California traffic. It’s often more accurate regarding freeway closures and construction than the big-name maps.
- Time your departure: The "Golden Window" for travel between LA and Long Beach is 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays.
- Account for the Port: If you see an influx of trucks on the 710, move over to the left lanes early. Trucks are legally restricted to the right lanes, and they create massive merge buffers that can add minutes to your trip.
- Explore the "Mid-Way" points: If the traffic gets too intense, stop in San Pedro or Bixby Knolls. These areas have incredible food scenes and can act as a "pit stop" to let the rush hour peak pass.
Understanding how far is Long Beach California from Los Angeles isn't about the odometer. It's about rhythm. Master the timing, and you’ll enjoy two of the best cities in California without the stress of the "in-between."