Long Beach International Airport

Long Beach International is one of the few large airports in the Los Angeles basin that does not require slots for private operations. That makes it a practical alternative to LAX for passengers heading to Long Beach, Seal Beach, or Anaheim, without the ground delay and congestion that comes with flying into a major hub.

The airport enforces a strict noise curfew from 10pm to 7am. This is one of the tighter noise ordinances in California, and it applies to departures and arrivals alike. If your schedule runs late, plan accordingly, as exceptions are rarely granted. Jet aircraft operating at LGB must also meet Stage 3 noise standards; older Stage 2 equipment is prohibited.

Ground operations are straightforward. The FBO ramp is separate from the commercial terminal area, and processing times are typically short. The airport is compact enough that you are in a car within minutes of touching down.

Downtown Long Beach is about 3 miles from the airport, roughly 10 minutes by car. Anaheim and the Disneyland area are approximately 12 miles east, usually 20 to 25 minutes without freeway congestion. Downtown Los Angeles is 25 miles north via the 710 freeway, which runs 45 to 60 minutes depending on time of day. LAX is 20 miles northwest, typically 30 to 45 minutes.

Black car and car service pickups are routine at LGB. Rideshare pickup is available curbside. For passengers heading into Orange County, LGB often beats both LAX and John Wayne (KSNA) on total ground time.