How to Get Around Catalina Island

Avalon, the main town on Catalina Island, covers just under three-square miles, so most places are close enough to reach on foot. Walking is not only practical here; it is the way many people prefer to move around.

Avalon is the only city in California authorized by the state legislature to regulate the number and size of vehicles allowed to drive on city streets. At present, owning a car on the island comes with a 25-year waiting list. Visitors generally won’t need one in Avalon, since the town is simple to explore by walking. The scenic harbor surrounding Avalon is another reason to take your time and enjoy the setting.

Hotel Shuttles and Taxis

After you arrive, some hotels offer courtesy shuttle transportation, while others include free baggage service. That service may pick up luggage at the ferry dock and bring it to your hotel, or collect it from your hotel and return it to the ferry dock. Ask about availability when making reservations.

Taxi service is offered throughout Avalon, and taxis meet incoming ferry boats. A taxi stand is located at the end of Crescent Ave by US Bank.

Public Transportation: COAST by Ride Circuit

Avalon has public transportation. The City Of Avalon Seaside Transit is a new on-demand, point-to-point public transportation service known as COAST. Through a partnership with Circuit Transit, Avalon residents and visitors can travel to and from locations inside Avalon’s city limits, including Hamilton Cove, with fares starting at $2 per rider.

To use the service, download the Ride Circuit app through the Apple App or Google Play Store. Standard hours of operation for COAST are 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

Shoreboats

In Avalon and Two Harbors, shoreboats help boaters get from their vessels to land. Catalina Coastal Tours provides Shoreboat and Water Taxi Service in Avalon, while the Two Harbors Harbor Department operates Shoreboat service in Two Harbors.

Reaching the Interior, Airport in the Sky, and Two Harbors

Travelers heading beyond Avalon can use shuttle bus service or charter taxi van service from Avalon to Airport-in-the-Sky, Two Harbors, and the interior campgrounds.

For campers, the Catalina Island Conservancy runs the Wildlands Express. The Catalina Island Company also operates the Cyclone boat, which runs daily in the summer months and carries passengers between Avalon and Two Harbors along the scenic Catalina Island coastline.

Outdoor enthusiasts can discover Catalina Island by hiking or biking. Hiking and biking permits are required. Permits and trail maps are available at the Conservancy Trailhead Center, 708 Crescent Avenue in Avalon or call 310-510-2595.

Sightseeing

Golf Cart Tours: Guided and Self Guided

For a local-style way to see the hills above town, rent a golf cart. Golf cart rentals are widely available in Avalon, making it easy to see the mountain terrain around town in about an hour.

Golf carts are rented by the hour, not by the day. They must remain within Avalon city limits, an area of approximately 3 square miles. Many vacation rentals include a golf cart. Residents are not allowed to rent out their personal golf carts.

Bicycles and Sightseeing Tours

Visitors may also rent bicycles, including electric bikes, for exploring. Sightseeing tours are available by comfortable motor coach, golf cart, or open-air tram.

Transportation Options for Getting Around Catalina Island

COAST Avalon Public Transportation - Ride Circuit

The City of Avalon operates COAST, an on-demand, point-to-point public transportation service. COAST stands for City of Avalon Seaside Transit and offers rides to and from destinations within Avalon.

Catalina Taxi and Tours

Catalina Taxi & Tours helps make getting around Catalina Island straightforward, whether visitors arrive by boat, land by other means, or need convenient island transportation.

Shoreboat & Water Taxi Service

Shoreboat and Water Taxi Service is operated by Catalina Coastal Tours. Shore boat service runs daily to and from the Green Pleasure Pier in Avalon.

Wildlands Express Airport Shuttle

The Wildlands Express offers a convenient and inexpensive connection to and from the world famous Airport in the Sky while giving riders a view of Catalina’s wildlands.