Airports and Visas
Airports
Foreign participants should fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Domestic participants may consider additional neighboring airports: Long Beach Airport (LGB) or John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA).
Directions from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the Queen Mary
Take 105 East to 405 South to 710 South. Take exit 1A for Queen Mary/South Harbor Scenic Drive. Turn left onto Harbor Plaza. Turn right onto Queens Highway. 1126 Queens Highway.
Distance from LAX: 22 miles (35 km)
Approximate Drive Time: 30 minutes
Google Map - LAX to Queen Mary
Ground Transportation
There are numerous options for ground transportation between LAX, LGB or SNA airports and the Queen Mary. Since most IPC participants will be flying to/from LAX, we focus on that airport here, but some of these options also apply to the other two airports.
Public transportation — while possible, this is difficult because there is currently major construction on the train line from Los Angeles to Long Beach. Transit from LAX to the Queen Mary currently involves catching a bus at LAX; transferring to a train; transferring to a bus; transferring to a train; and then transferring to a bus. We do not recommend this option.
LAX Flyaway bus — a “Flyaway” bus departs LAX Lower/Arrivals Level every 30 minutes between 530 am and 1030 pm, and deposits passengers in downtown Long Beach. One-way fare is $9. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or can be purchased on the bus itself (note that cash is not accepted; a credit or debit card is needed). From downtown Long Beach, one can catch a free “Passport” city bus (depart every 15-30 min, depending on time of day); use a taxi or ride-sharing service; or walk (1.9 miles) to the Queen Mary.
Shuttle vans — from LAX direct to the Queen Mary on shared-ride shuttle services like those below costs approximately $25 per person (cost may vary according to time of day). Travel times may vary depending on the number and destinations of other passengers. Shared-ride vans are located at the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Super Shuttle
Prime Time Shuttle
Ride-share services — Travelers using Uber or Lyft from LAX meet their drivers at the round Ride Service signs located at the Upper/Departures Level. Costs for these services vary according to demand, but typically do not depend on the number of passengers.
VISAS
We highly recommend all foreign participants to begin their United States visa application process as soon as possible, as this may be a lengthy process depending on your citizenship status. Please visit the U.S. Department of State for more details.
If you require a formal, personalized letter of invitation to facilitate your visa application, please contact kfitzhugh@nhm.org. Please include your full name and mailing address and we will email you a letter in PDF format.
Know your rights when you arrive at the United States border.
Click here for information.
Click here for additional information for non-US citizens.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Electricity is 110 volts at 60 cycles.
- Electrical plugs are usually type A or B.
- Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, including restaurants and bars.
- Tipping (~15%) is a common practice in most restaurants, bars and other service establishments.
- All measurements are in inches and feet, miles, gallons and pounds rather than metric units.
- Sales tax in California varies depending on the city or county — ranging from 7.5 to 9.5%.