CSULB Student Guide to Public Transportation in Long Beach

Introduction:Living off-campus while attending California State University, Long Beach doesn’t mean you need a car to get around. Long Beach offers an affordable, student-friendly transportation system that makes it easy to navigate the city and even connect to nearby areas in Los Angeles and Orange County. Whether you’re commuting to class, going to work, or exploring the coast, this guide will walk you through the best public transportation options for CSULB students.

Public Transit Options Around CSULBLong Beach Transit (LBT):Long Beach Transit is the main public transportation provider for the city and serves the CSULB campus directly. Students can hop on buses from the CSULB Transit Center located right on campus. Key routes like the Passport and Route 121 make it easy to get to Downtown Long Beach, Belmont Shore, and other major areas.

CSULB U-Pass Program:CSULB students are eligible for the U-Pass TAP card, which provides unlimited rides on Long Beach Transit buses throughout the semester. The U-Pass is included in student fees, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to travel without worrying about gas or parking.

LA Metro and Regional Connections:If you want to go beyond Long Beach, CSULB students can connect to LA Metro buses and the Metro A Line (formerly Blue Line), which runs from Downtown Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles. You can access the Metro system from the 1st Street Station or the Downtown Long Beach Station. From there, students can travel across the entire LA Metro rail and bus network.

Bike Share and Scooters:Long Beach is also a bike- and scooter-friendly city. Students can take advantage of the city’s extensive bike lanes and use shared services like Lime and Bird for quick rides around town or to and from campus. CSULB also has plenty of bike racks for secure storage.

Car-Free Living Near CSULB:Many off-campus neighborhoods near CSULB—like Los Altos, Belmont Heights, and Downtown Long Beach—are connected by bus routes and have walkable access to grocery stores, cafes, and other amenities. Students living in these areas can easily rely on public transit for their daily needs.

Conclusion:Public transportation is a great option for CSULB students living off-campus. With the U-Pass, Long Beach Transit, and connections to LA Metro, getting around the city and beyond is simple and affordable. Whether you're commuting to class or exploring the coast, Long Beach’s transportation network supports a flexible, car-free lifestyle.