No, you cannot drive to Catalina Island
There is no bridge, causeway, or ferry route that allows you to drive your car to Catalina Island. The island sits 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, and the only way to reach it is by boat or helicopter. If you want to take a vehicle to the island, you must ship it separately on a car barge — a process that is expensive, requires advance booking, and is rarely worth the cost for a typical visit.
Most visitors reach Catalina by passenger ferry from the mainland. Two ferry operators run regular service: Catalina Express departs from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point; Catalina Flyer departs from Newport Beach. Both cross the channel in 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the departure point. Once you arrive, you do not need a car — the island's main town, Avalon, is small enough to walk, and a shuttle bus system connects other areas.
Key Takeaways
- Catalina Island has no bridge or road connection to the mainland, so you must leave your car behind and take a passenger ferry.
- Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer are the two main ferry operators, with departures from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.
- Ferry crossings take 1 to 1.5 hours and cost between $70 and $80 per adult for a round trip, depending on the route.
- You can ship a vehicle to the island on a car barge if necessary, but it requires booking weeks in advance and costs several hundred dollars.
- Once on the island, walking and the local shuttle bus system are sufficient for most visitors; rental cars are available but rarely needed.
Ferry Routes and Departure Points
Catalina Express operates the most frequent service with three mainland departure points. From Long Beach (downtown waterfront), ferries run year-round with multiple departures daily; the crossing takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. From San Pedro (near the Port of Los Angeles), service is also year-round with crossings taking 1 hour. From Dana Point (Orange County), seasonal service runs primarily in summer and on weekends; the crossing takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Catalina Flyer departs only from Newport Beach (Orange County) and operates year-round with multiple daily sailings. The crossing takes 1 hour and is the shortest route. Both operators accept walk-on passengers and offer online booking. Prices vary by season and how far in advance you book, but round-trip fares typically range from $70 to $80 per adult. Children, seniors, and military personnel usually receive discounts.
Check the ferry operator websites directly for current schedules, fares, and any service changes. Weather can cause cancellations or delays, especially in winter, so book flexible tickets if possible or call ahead before traveling.
What You Can and Cannot Bring on the Ferry
Passenger ferries allow you to bring luggage, backpacks, and personal items at no extra charge. You can bring bicycles on most sailings for a small additional fee (typically $10 to $15). Pets are permitted on some ferries but require advance notice and may have size or breed restrictions — contact the ferry operator before booking.
You cannot bring your personal vehicle on a passenger ferry. Vehicles are not loaded onto Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer. If you absolutely need a car on the island, you must either rent one there or arrange separate barge transport. Vehicle rentals are available through local companies in Avalon, though they are expensive and most visitors find them unnecessary.
Shipping a Vehicle to Catalina Island
If you need to transport a car, truck, or motorcycle to Catalina Island, you must use a vehicle barge service. The primary operator is Catalina Car Barges, which runs scheduled sailings from San Pedro. The process requires booking at least two to four weeks in advance, and the cost ranges from $300 to $500 or more depending on vehicle size and current demand.
To ship a vehicle, you must provide proof of ownership, a valid driver's license, and insurance. Your vehicle will be loaded onto the barge at the San Pedro terminal, transported across the channel, and unloaded at Avalon. You travel separately on a passenger ferry. The barge crossing takes longer than passenger ferries — typically 2 to 3 hours — and schedules are less frequent, often running only a few times per week.
Vehicle barge service is used mainly by residents, business owners, and people relocating to the island. For a vacation or short visit, the cost and logistics make it impractical. Most visitors straightforward park at the mainland ferry terminal (paid parking is available) and travel as foot passengers.
Parking at Ferry Terminals
All three Catalina Express terminals and the Catalina Flyer terminal offer paid parking. Long Beach and San Pedro have large parking lots with hourly and daily rates; expect to pay $10 to $20 per day depending on the lot and season. Dana Point and Newport Beach also have parking available, though lots fill quickly on weekends and summer days.
If you are staying overnight on the island, you can leave your car parked at the terminal. Many visitors park, take the ferry, and return the next day or later in the week. Arrive early on busy days to find a spot, especially during summer and on weekends. Some terminals offer reserved parking for an additional fee if you want to may provide a space.
Getting Around Once You Arrive on Catalina Island
Avalon, the main town, is compact and walkable. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, and beaches are within a 10 to 15-minute walk of the ferry terminal. The town spreads along the waterfront and up the hillside, and pedestrian paths connect the main areas.
For travel beyond Avalon, the Catalina Island Transit Authority runs shuttle buses to other parts of the island, including Two Harbors, the Airport in the Sky, and various hiking trailheads. Bus fares are inexpensive (typically $2 to $5 per ride), and schedules are posted at the ferry terminal and online. If you want to explore remote beaches or hiking areas, the shuttle system is the most practical option.
Car rentals are available through local agencies in Avalon, but they are costly and require advance booking. A rental car is useful only if you plan to drive to multiple remote locations over several days. For a typical one- or two-day visit, walking and the shuttle bus are sufficient.
Planning Your Trip to Catalina Island
Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during summer and on weekends. Walk-on fares are cheaper than vehicle transport, and advance booking often offers discounts. Check the weather forecast before you travel — winter crossings can be rough, and some sailings are cancelled during storms.
Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes. The island is sunny and exposed, and you will spend time outdoors. If you plan to hike or visit remote areas, bring a map or read offline maps on your phone, as cell service can be spotty.
Plan to spend at least a full day on the island to make the ferry trip worthwhile. Many visitors stay overnight at one of the island's hotels or vacation rentals. If you are day-tripping, book a return ferry in the late afternoon or early evening to give yourself time to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car onto the ferry?
No. Passenger ferries do not accept personal vehicles. You must leave your car at the mainland terminal parking lot and travel as a foot passenger. If you need a vehicle on the island, you can rent one there or arrange separate barge transport, but both options are expensive and rarely necessary.
How much does a ferry ticket cost?
Round-trip fares for adults typically range from $70 to $80, depending on the route and how far in advance you book. Children, seniors, and military personnel usually receive discounts of $10 to $20. Prices vary by season, with higher fares during summer and holidays.
What if I get seasick on the ferry?
The crossing is usually smooth, but winter weather can cause rough seas. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding, sit on deck in fresh air, and focus on the horizon. Ginger supplements or acupressure wristbands may also help. Ferries have indoor seating and restrooms if you need to stay below deck.
Can I bring my dog on the ferry?
Pets are allowed on some sailings, but you must notify the ferry operator in advance. Size and breed restrictions may explore. Contact Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer directly before booking to confirm pet policies and any additional fees.
Is there a way to drive all the way around Catalina Island?
No. Catalina Island has no complete road loop. The main road connects Avalon to Two Harbors on the west side, but beyond that, the interior is undeveloped and accessible only by hiking trail. You cannot drive a full circuit of the island.