Catalina Express: San Pedro to Avalon One-Way Ferry

Catalina is close enough to Los Angeles for a day trip, yet the ferry ride gives you a clear break from the mainland. The Catalina Express runs from San Pedro to Avalon in about an hour on many departures, with Pacific views from the water and a short walk from the dock to town.

I like two things in particular: the direct San Pedro-to-Avalon route can make getting to the island simple, and the boat has comfortable seating, restrooms, and a snack bar. The catch is that not every departure takes the same amount of time, and this ticket is one-way only, so check your sailing carefully and arrange your return before you go.

• The departure point is Berth 95 in San Pedro, at the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal on the waterfront.
• Most crossings take about an hour, but some departures stop at Two Harbors and can take much longer.
• Avalon’s Cabrillo Mole is a five-minute walk from downtown, so you can start exploring soon after landing.
• The $47 fare covers one way only, not your return to the mainland.
• Arrive at least an hour early to check in at the ticket window before boarding.
• The boat carries up to 149 passengers, and includes restrooms and an onboard snack bar.

San Pedro to Avalon: a short crossing with a big change of scene

The ferry does more than move you from one port to another. It gives you a stretch of open water between Los Angeles and Catalina, with the city falling behind and the island coming into view as you approach Avalon. If you want a quick island escape without arranging a flight or a guided package, this is a practical way to get there.

The advertised trip is about one hour, though the actual duration can be closer to 70 minutes. Some San Pedro departures stop at Two Harbors before continuing to Avalon. One such sailing has taken about two and a half hours, so don’t assume that every departure is direct just because the headline duration says roughly an hour.

That difference matters if you’ve booked an island activity, have a dinner reservation, or are trying to make the most of a day trip. Check the specific sailing details before you buy, and leave a generous gap between your scheduled arrival and anything you’ve planned in Avalon.

Boarding at Berth 95 in the Port of San Pedro

Your starting point is 95 Berth, San Pedro, CA 90731, also called the Catalina Sea and Air Terminal. It sits on the LA Port waterfront promenade. Make your own way there; hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Arrive at least one hour before departure and check in at the ticket window. A mobile ticket is convenient, but keep it ready to scan and make sure it is valid for your sailing. If you’re using a phone, check the ticket before you reach the boarding line rather than trying to sort it out at the last moment.

The terminal has a waiting area, and boarding is organized. The boat can carry as many as 149 passengers, so getting a window seat may depend on arriving early and joining the line in good time. There are different seating arrangements, including pairs of seats and some tables, but every seat is not necessarily a window seat.

Parking is available in front of the terminal. The first hour is free, then parking is listed at $2 per hour, with a $20 daily maximum. Rates can change, so check the current price when you arrive. Parking is not included in the ferry fare.

On the water: comfortable seating and Pacific views

Once aboard, you can settle in and watch the coast recede. The vessel has comfortable seating and windows, plus restrooms on all boats. There’s also a snack bar where you can buy food and drinks, including coffee and alcoholic beverages. Bring cash if you want to purchase something, since one passenger specifically found that useful.

The ride is often smooth and quick, but no boat crossing is guaranteed to feel that way. One person who enjoyed the trip still experienced motion sickness. If you know you’re prone to it, consider how you usually manage boat travel and choose a seat that suits you. The precise motion can vary with conditions, which aren’t specified in advance here.

Keep an eye out over the water. Dolphins have been seen during crossings, though wildlife sightings are never promised. Even without a special sighting, the open-water views are part of the appeal, and make the trip feel like a genuine transition to island time rather than a simple transfer.

The crew and onboard staff are central to how the journey feels. Reports of clean boats, professional service, and friendly staff are common, though service can vary. You’re buying transportation, not a guided excursion, so don’t expect narration about Catalina or organized activities during the crossing.

Check the sailing time before planning your island day

The biggest practical question is not simply How long is the ferry? It’s How long is my particular ferry? The typical trip is about an hour, but a stop at Two Harbors can add substantial time. A departure that arrives nearly two hours later than expected can disrupt a tightly planned afternoon.

Before booking, confirm whether the departure is direct to Avalon and check its scheduled arrival time. If you’re connecting to a paid activity, avoid choosing a sailing that leaves little room for delay. A comfortable buffer is especially useful when your plans depend on a specific tour start or reservation.

Morning and afternoon departures are offered, giving you options to fit the crossing into your day. But the details of each sailing matter more than the broad choice of morning or afternoon. Be cautious about assuming a late departure leaves enough time for a full day in Avalon, especially if you also need to catch a return ferry.

Arriving at the Cabrillo Mole and walking into Avalon

The ferry arrives at the Cabrillo Mole in Avalon, Catalina Island. From there, downtown is about a five-minute walk, which makes it easy to begin exploring without needing another transfer. Avalon Bay’s waterfront is right at hand, and you can head toward shops, cafés, restaurants, or other activities at your own pace.

This is an independent trip, not a guided tour. That freedom is useful if you want to choose your own pace, but it also means you are responsible for planning your day and paying for anything you do after landing. The ferry fare doesn’t include meals, shopping, island tours, or other activities.

Avalon can work for a relaxed visit or a more active day, depending on what you arrange. You might spend time along the waterfront, stop for food, browse shops, or book an activity separately. If you have mobility needs, note that the ports are wheelchair accessible, but some vessel restroom doorways may be too narrow for larger wheelchairs or scooters. Smaller wheelchairs are available on request.

The one-way fare and the return-trip question

At $47 per person, this ticket buys a one-way crossing from San Pedro to Avalon. That price can be worthwhile if you value a direct ferry connection and want to spend time on the island, but it does not cover the journey back. You must book a separate one-way ticket from Avalon to San Pedro.

For a day trip, coordinate both sailings before you commit. Do not assume that a return boat will be available when you reach the island, or that your chosen outbound departure leaves time for a full day. A poorly matched schedule can turn an affordable crossing into an expensive and frustrating outing.

You can stay overnight or for several nights, but you’ll still need a return ticket for your chosen date. The ferry service is designed for transport, not a bundled island itinerary, so build your visit around the sailing times and book any additional activities separately.

Cancellation terms deserve a careful look before you pay. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That makes it especially important to confirm the date, direction, and departure time before completing your reservation.

Who will get the most from this ferry

This crossing suits you if you want a simple route from Los Angeles to Catalina and are comfortable planning the island portion yourself. Families can find the boat ride part of the fun, and the short walk into Avalon keeps the arrival straightforward. Couples and friends who want a flexible day, rather than a guided schedule, may also appreciate the independence.

It is less suitable if you need a tightly timed connection, want round-trip transport included in one purchase, or expect a guide to organize your time on the island. If accessibility is important, check the specific vessel and your needs in advance, since port access does not guarantee that every onboard space will work for every wheelchair or scooter.

The overall experience is best when you treat the ferry as one part of a planned Catalina visit. Confirm the route, allow time for check-in, secure your return, and leave room for the possibility that the crossing may take longer than an hour.

Should you book the San Pedro to Avalon ferry?

Book it if you want a convenient one-way crossing, enjoy the idea of a Pacific boat ride, and have a clear plan for getting back. The comfortable seating, onboard facilities, and short walk from the Avalon dock to downtown are useful strengths. Just be precise about the sailing you choose, especially if you have an activity booked soon after arrival.

I’d be cautious about buying a non-refundable ticket before checking the full schedule and arranging the return. If the outbound sailing stops at Two Harbors, or the return options don’t fit your plans, the convenience of the ferry can quickly fade. For a flexible island day with both legs planned, though, the Catalina Express is a straightforward way to reach Avalon.

FAQ

Where does the ferry leave from in San Pedro?

It leaves from the Port of San Pedro at Berth 95, also known as the Catalina Express or Catalina Sea and Air Terminal.

How long is the crossing from San Pedro to Avalon?

The crossing is about one hour on many departures, but some sailings stop at Two Harbors and take considerably longer. Check the details for your chosen departure.

Is a return ticket included?

No. This is a one-way ticket from San Pedro to Avalon. You need to book a separate ferry ticket for the return journey.

How early should I arrive?

Plan to arrive at least one hour before departure and check in at the ticket window.

Can I bring luggage?

Each passenger may bring two pieces of luggage, each no larger than 23 by 23 by 37 inches and no heavier than 50 pounds, plus one carry-on. Put an ID tag on each item.

Are there restrooms and food on board?

Yes. All vessels have restrooms, and an onboard snack bar sells food and drinks.