Traffic in Long Beach
In 2024, Long Beach, CA, sees a dominant reliance on cars for commuting, with over 91% of residents using them as their primary mode of transportation.
Despite the heavy car usage, train travel accounts for a small but significant portion of commutes, highlighting a potential area for public transport growth.
Average Commute Times
The average commute time across all modes is approximately 36.67 minutes, with a significant portion of this time spent driving.
- Car - For car commuters, the average driving time is about 35.91 minutes, covering an average distance of 22.63 miles.
- Train - Train commuters experience an average travel time of 45 minutes, with a longer average distance of 32.19 miles.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Train
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the summer months due to tourism and local events.
Winter months see a slight decrease in traffic as residents travel less frequently.
Commuter Pain Points
High car dependency leads to frequent traffic jams, especially during peak hours.
Limited public transportation options make it challenging for non-car owners to commute efficiently.
Best Travel Times
Commuters are advised to travel before 7 AM or after 7 PM to avoid peak traffic congestion.
Midday travel between 10 AM and 3 PM is generally smoother with less traffic.
Event Impacts
Large public events, such as the Long Beach Grand Prix, significantly impact traffic, causing delays and road closures.
Concerts and festivals at the Long Beach Convention Center also contribute to temporary traffic increases.
Sustainability Efforts
Long Beach is investing in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly pathways to encourage alternative commuting methods.
The city is exploring electric bus options to reduce public transport emissions.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have helped reduce the number of personal vehicles on the road, slightly easing congestion.
However, increased ride-sharing can lead to more short trips, contributing to traffic in busy areas.
