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There's no direct ferry from San Diego. Here's the realistic way to get there.
Last updated
No passenger ferry runs from San Diego to Catalina Island. The practical routes are driving about 90 minutes to two hours north to the Dana Point or Long Beach terminals and taking a Catalina Express boat across in roughly an hour to ninety minutes, or flying by helicopter from Long Beach. A same-day round trip from San Diego is possible but long: you're looking at roughly four hours of travel each way once you count the drive, parking and the crossing, which leaves about five or six hours on the island. One night in Avalon turns a rushed day into a genuinely good weekend, and midweek rates are far below summer weekends.
| Route | Total each way | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drive to Dana Point + ferry | ~2h 45m-3h | Closest terminal to San Diego |
| Drive to Long Beach + ferry | ~3h-3h 30m | Most frequent sailings |
| Drive to San Pedro + ferry | ~3h 15m+ | Alternative LA-area terminal |
| Helicopter from Long Beach | ~15 min flight | Premium option |
| Terminal parking | $20-$25/day | Reserve in summer |
The drive north is the part people underestimate.
Orange County · ~90 min drive from San Diego
The closest departure point to San Diego, with Catalina Express sailings to Avalon. Fewer daily departures than Long Beach, so the schedule dictates your day more tightly.
Local tip: Book the ferry before you commit to a date — the Dana Point schedule thins outside summer.
Los Angeles County · ~2h drive from San Diego
More sailings per day and more flexibility if plans slip, at the cost of another 30 to 45 minutes of driving each way.
The channel crossing takes about an hour to ninety minutes and can be choppy, especially in the afternoon when the wind picks up. Morning boats are usually smoother.
Local tip: Sit toward the middle and low on the boat if you're prone to seasickness, and take something before boarding rather than after.
Avalon is small, walkable and largely car-free.
The town is compact enough to walk end to end in 20 minutes. Golf carts are the local vehicle and rent by the hour; residents wait years for a car permit.
Snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat at Lover's Cove, the Casino building tour, the botanical garden, a cart loop to the overlooks, and lunch on the waterfront. That's a comfortable full day.
The quieter settlement on the island's isthmus — camping, hiking and almost nothing else. Reached by a separate boat or a shore-boat transfer, and worth it only with an overnight.
No. The nearest departure points are Dana Point, about 90 minutes north by car, and Long Beach, about two hours north. Catalina Express operates the crossings from both.
Yes, but it's a long day — roughly four hours of travel each way once you include the drive, parking and the boat, leaving about five or six hours in Avalon. One overnight makes it far better.
About one hour to ninety minutes depending on the departure terminal and conditions. Morning crossings are generally smoother.
Round-trip ferry fares plus about $20 to $25 a day for terminal parking, on top of the drive north. Helicopter from Long Beach is the fast premium option.
No — Avalon is walkable and visitor cars aren't practical on the island. Golf carts rent by the hour if you want to reach the overlooks.
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Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .