How to Save on Rideshares in Long Beach

Long Beach, with its vibrant waterfront, bustling downtown, and thriving cultural scene, is a city that never sleeps. Whether you're a resident commuting to work, a visitor exploring the Queen Mary, or a student heading to California State University, Long Beach offers a dynamic urban experience. But with that comes the challenge of navigating traffic, limited parking, and rising transportation costs. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become essential tools for getting around—yet their prices can quickly add up, especially during peak hours, events, or inclement weather.

Fortunately, saving money on rideshares in Long Beach isn’t just possible—it’s strategic. By understanding pricing dynamics, leveraging technology, timing your trips, and combining alternatives, you can reduce your transportation expenses by 30% to 60% without sacrificing convenience. This guide is designed to give you a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to save on rideshares in Long Beach. From real-time pricing hacks to local transit integrations, every tip here is tailored to the unique geography, traffic patterns, and service offerings of this coastal city.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Master the Art of Timing Your Rides

The single most effective way to save on rideshares is to avoid surge pricing. In Long Beach, surge events occur predictably during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM), major events (like concerts at the Long Beach Arena, Lakers games at the Crypto.com Arena, or the Long Beach Grand Prix), and holidays (New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, Labor Day).

To avoid these spikes, plan your trips outside of peak windows. For example, if you’re heading to the beach on a Saturday afternoon, consider leaving at 11 AM instead of 2 PM. Early mornings and mid-afternoons (between 11 AM and 2 PM) typically have the lowest demand and, therefore, the lowest fares. Use the Uber or Lyft app to check estimated prices before you request a ride. If the fare is 20% or more above normal, wait 10–15 minutes and check again. Often, prices normalize quickly.

Pro tip: Set a price alert on third-party apps like RideGuru or SherpaShare to monitor historical pricing trends for your most common routes—such as from Downtown Long Beach to the Aquarium of the Pacific or from the Long Beach Airport to your hotel.

2. Use Ridepooling and Shared Options

Both Uber and Lyft offer shared ride options in Long Beach: UberPool and Lyft Line (now called Lyft Shared). These services match you with other riders heading in a similar direction, significantly reducing your fare—often by 30–50%.

While shared rides require a slightly longer travel time (typically 5–15 minutes extra), they’re ideal for predictable, non-urgent trips. For example, commuting from the 710 Freeway corridor to the Long Beach Convention Center during lunch hours becomes far more affordable using Lyft Shared. Just be sure your destination is within the shared route corridor. You can check the app’s map preview before confirming your ride to see the detour path.

Important: Shared rides may not be available during late-night hours (after 11 PM) or in low-density neighborhoods like Lakewood or Naples. Always verify availability before planning.

3. Leverage Promo Codes and New User Offers

New users of Uber and Lyft often receive $10–$25 in free ride credits. But even existing users can benefit from ongoing promotions. Follow local Long Beach influencers, community Facebook groups (like “Long Beach Local Deals”), and city newsletters for exclusive promo codes.

Many local businesses—coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels—partner with rideshare companies to offer discounts. For instance, showing a receipt from The Pike Outlets might unlock a $5 off Uber code. Similarly, booking a hotel room through the Hilton app might include a complimentary Lyft ride to the beach.

Also, check the “Offers” tab in both apps weekly. These are often time-sensitive and can include:

• 20% off rides during off-peak hours
• Free ride on your birthday
• Referral bonuses ($10 credit for both you and a friend)

Set a weekly calendar reminder to check for new offers. Even a $5 credit every few weeks adds up to $260 in annual savings.

4. Combine Rideshares with Public Transit

Long Beach has an extensive public transit network operated by Long Beach Transit (LBT). Buses connect major hubs like the Long Beach Transit Mall, CSULB, and the Metro C Line (Green Line) at the Willow Street Station. The key to saving is using rideshares as a “last-mile” solution, not your entire trip.

For example:

• Drive or take a rideshare to the Willow Street Metro Station (near the 710 Freeway) instead of your final destination.
• Take the Metro Green Line to Downtown Long Beach (a 15-minute ride for $1.75).
• Use a $2 Uber ride to get from the Downtown station to your office or restaurant.

This combination can cut a $20 direct rideshare trip down to $4–$6. Use the Transit app or Google Maps to plan multi-modal trips. Both apps integrate LBT schedules and real-time Uber/Lyft availability, showing you the cheapest overall route.

Also, consider purchasing a TAP card for seamless transfers between LBT buses and Metro rail. If you ride frequently, a 30-day pass ($75) can make even occasional rideshares more affordable by reducing your need for full-length trips.

5. Use Subscription Services Wisely

Uber Pass and Lyft Pink offer monthly subscriptions for frequent riders. Uber Pass costs $14.99/month and includes:

• 5% off all rides
• $0 delivery fees on Uber Eats
• Priority customer support

Lyft Pink is $9.99/month and includes:

• 5% off all rides
• Free 15-minute bike and scooter rides
• Free standard delivery on Lyft Delivery

Are these worth it? Only if you take at least 3–4 rides per week. For example, if you normally spend $60/week on rideshares, a $10/month subscription saves you $3/week—$156/year. But if you only ride twice a week, skip the subscription.

Pro tip: Try both services for one month free (they often offer trial periods) and track your savings. If you’re a student, check if your school offers discounted or free subscriptions through partnerships.

6. Avoid Airport and Event Surges

The Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a hotspot for rideshare pricing. During peak travel times, fares from LGB to Downtown can spike to $40–$50. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Use the airport’s free shuttle to the Long Beach Transit Mall, then take a bus or a short, cheaper rideshare.
• Book a ride 30–45 minutes before your flight instead of right before departure—surge pricing is less likely.
• Use a rideshare pickup zone outside the terminal, like the Economy Parking lot, where demand is lower and prices are more stable.

For events at the Long Beach Arena or the Shoreline Aquatic Park, arrive early or leave late. Rideshares often charge 2–3x normal rates during events. If you’re going to a concert, consider taking the LBT bus route 111 (from Downtown to the Arena) and then using a rideshare only for the return trip after the crowd thins out.

7. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Several apps let you earn cashback on rideshare payments:

• Rakuten: Earn 5–10% cashback on Uber and Lyft purchases when you pay through the Rakuten app.
• Fetch Rewards: Scan your rideshare receipt (found in the app) to earn points redeemable for gift cards.
• Credit Card Rewards: Cards like Chase Freedom or Capital One Venture offer 3–5% back on transportation spending. Use one of these cards exclusively for rideshares.

Combine these with promo codes for maximum savings. For example: use a $10 Uber promo code + pay with a cashback card + scan receipt on Fetch = $10 off + 5% back on $20 ride = $11 saved.

8. Walk, Bike, or Scooter for Short Trips

Long Beach is one of the most walkable cities in Southern California. The downtown core, the Pike Outlets, and the waterfront are all within a 1–2 mile radius. Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions are clustered together, making walking or biking ideal.

Lyft and Uber both offer electric scooters and bikes through their apps. A 10-minute scooter ride costs $1–$2, making it cheaper than a rideshare for trips under 2 miles. Use the app to find nearby scooters and unlock them with your phone. Many downtown streets have dedicated bike lanes, and parking racks are plentiful.

Pro tip: Download the Lime or Bird app separately—they sometimes offer better deals than Lyft/Uber for scooters. Use a combo of both apps to compare pricing and availability.

Best Practices

1. Always Compare Apps Before Booking

Never assume Uber is cheaper than Lyft—or vice versa. Prices fluctuate minute by minute. Always open both apps side by side and compare estimated fares for your exact pickup and drop-off. Sometimes, a 10-minute wait on Lyft can save you $8 compared to an immediate Uber ride.

Use the “Compare” feature in the Uber app or manually toggle between apps. For frequent routes (e.g., home to work), create a saved location and check prices daily for a week to identify the cheapest provider.

2. Set Fare Alerts and Track Spending

Use Google Sheets or a budgeting app like Mint or YNAB to log your rideshare expenses. Track:

• Route
• Date and time
• Fare amount
• App used
• Discount applied

After 30 days, you’ll see patterns. Maybe you spend $120/month on late-night rides from Downtown to your apartment. That’s a red flag. You might switch to taking the bus after 10 PM or carpool with a neighbor.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades

Uber Black, Lyft Lux, and SUV options are tempting for comfort—but they cost 2–4x more. Unless you’re traveling with luggage, in a group, or need extra space, stick with standard options. A standard Lyft ride from the airport to the Aquarium of the Pacific is $22. An SUV is $48. That’s $26 saved per trip—over $1,000 a year if you do it twice a week.

4. Ride with Others

Coordinate with coworkers, neighbors, or friends. If three people are heading to the same event, split a single UberXL instead of three separate rides. Even better, use Lyft Shared to combine multiple riders on the same route.

Apps like RideShareMatch or local Facebook groups (“Long Beach Carpool & Rideshare”) can help you connect with others heading in the same direction. This reduces your cost, cuts traffic, and lowers emissions.

5. Know Your Pickup Zones

Long Beach has designated rideshare pickup areas at key locations:

• Long Beach Airport: Level 1, Curbside, Zone D
• Long Beach Convention Center: North entrance, near Pine Avenue
• Queen Mary: South dock parking lot
• CSULB: Parking Structure 3, near the Student Union

Going to a designated zone can reduce wait times and sometimes lower prices. Drivers are more likely to accept rides in high-demand zones, reducing the chance of surge pricing due to driver scarcity.

6. Use GPS to Avoid Traffic Delays

Long Beach traffic is notorious on the 710 Freeway and Shoreline Drive. If your app shows a route with heavy congestion, ask your driver to take an alternate path. Sometimes, taking Artesia Blvd instead of the 710 can shave 10 minutes off your trip and avoid surge pricing triggered by slow-moving traffic.

Use Waze or Google Maps to preview routes before confirming your ride. If your route is 30% longer than normal, consider switching providers or waiting.

7. Don’t Tip Unless You’re Sure of the Fare

Tipping is optional but encouraged. However, many users tip without realizing their fare was already inflated. Always check the base fare before adding a tip. If the ride was $18 and the driver was excellent, $2–$3 is appropriate. Don’t feel pressured to tip 20% if the service was average.

Tools and Resources

1. RideGuru

RideGuru is a third-party app that compares Uber, Lyft, and local taxi prices in real time. It shows historical pricing trends and predicts when surge will end. For Long Beach users, it’s invaluable for planning trips around events like the Long Beach Jazz Festival or the Grand Prix.

2. Transit App

The Transit app integrates Long Beach Transit schedules, real-time bus locations, and rideshare options into one interface. It shows you the cheapest, fastest, or greenest route—whether it’s a bus + scooter combo or a direct rideshare.

3. Google Maps

Google Maps now includes rideshare pricing alongside public transit, biking, and walking options. For any destination in Long Beach, type “how to get there” and select “Transportation.” You’ll see side-by-side cost and time estimates for all modes.

4. Lyft and Uber Apps (Advanced Features)

Don’t overlook built-in features:

• “Scheduled Rides” – Book rides up to 30 days in advance at current rates (no surge)
• “Ride Pass” – Save money on recurring routes
• “Safe Ride” – Share your trip with a friend for peace of mind

5. Long Beach Transit Website and App

Visit www.longbeachtransit.com for route maps, real-time tracking, and fare information. Download their official app for push notifications about delays or service changes.

6. Local Discount Platforms

Check out:

• Long Beach Chamber of Commerce – Occasionally partners with rideshare companies for resident discounts
• CSULB Student Services – Offers free or discounted Lyft rides for students during finals week
• Visit Long Beach – Tourist discounts for first-time visitors

7. Community Resources

Join:

• “Long Beach Rideshare Network” on Facebook
• Nextdoor neighborhood groups
• “Bike Long Beach” Meetup

These communities share ride-sharing tips, last-minute carpools, and even free bike repair events to reduce your reliance on motorized transport.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Commuter – Sarah, Downtown Long Beach

Sarah works at a marketing firm on Pine Avenue and lives in Lakewood. Before using these strategies, she spent $220/month on Uber rides to and from work. She now:

• Uses Lyft Shared to get to the Willow Street Metro Station (5 minutes, $3)
• Takes the Metro Green Line to Downtown (15 minutes, $1.75)
• Uses a $1.50 Lime scooter for the final 0.8 miles to her office

Total daily cost: $6.25. Monthly savings: $150. She also uses Rakuten for 7% cashback on her Lyft payments, adding another $10/month.

Example 2: The Student – Marcus, CSULB

Marcus is a junior at Cal State Long Beach. He used to take Uber to the beach on weekends—$25 each way. Now he:

• Uses the LBT Route 111 bus to the beach ($1.75)
• Walks 10 minutes from the bus stop to the sand
• Uses a $2 Lyft scooter to return to campus after sunset

He also signs up for new student promo codes every semester. Last semester, he saved $85 on rideshares using $15 credits from two different apps.

Example 3: The Visitor – The Thompson Family

The Thompsons visited Long Beach for a 3-day weekend. They planned to use Uber for all transportation. Their initial estimate: $300.

Instead, they:

• Took the free shuttle from their hotel to the Long Beach Transit Mall
• Used the LBT Route 111 to visit the Aquarium and Queen Mary ($1.75 per person)
• Used Lyft Shared to go to dinner in Downtown ($8 total for 4 people)
• Used a $20 Uber promo code from their hotel’s welcome email

Total spent: $72. Savings: $228.

Example 4: The Night Worker – Diego, Hospitality Industry

Diego works the midnight shift at a hotel near the Long Beach Airport. His last ride home used to cost $35 after 2 AM. He now:

• Uses the 24-hour LBT Route 41 (runs every 30 minutes)
• Walks 15 minutes from the bus stop to his apartment
• Only uses Uber if it’s raining or he’s carrying heavy luggage

He saved $420 in three months by switching to public transit for his commute.

FAQs

What’s the cheapest rideshare option in Long Beach?

The cheapest option is typically Lyft Shared or UberPool for trips under 5 miles. For longer distances, combining public transit with a short rideshare is often the most economical.

Is it cheaper to use Uber or Lyft in Long Beach?

There’s no consistent winner. Prices vary by time, location, and demand. Always compare both apps before booking. Some users report Lyft is cheaper during evening hours, while Uber has better pricing during airport pickups.

Can I use public transit instead of rideshares entirely?

Yes—for many routes. Long Beach Transit covers over 90% of the city’s major destinations. If you’re willing to walk 10–15 minutes or use a scooter for the last mile, you can eliminate rideshares entirely and save hundreds monthly.

Do rideshare prices go down at night in Long Beach?

Generally, yes—after 11 PM, demand drops significantly. However, late-night rides from high-demand areas like The Pike or Downtown may still be expensive if there’s an event. Always check the app.

Are there any discounts for seniors or students?

Yes. CSULB students get discounted Lyft rides through the university’s transportation program. Seniors over 65 can ride LBT buses for $0.75 per trip. Some rideshare promotions are occasionally targeted to these groups—check the app’s “Offers” tab.

How do I avoid surge pricing during the Long Beach Grand Prix?

Plan ahead. Book your ride 2–3 hours before the event using the “Scheduled Ride” feature. Use the free shuttle buses from the city’s designated park-and-ride lots. Avoid driving or requesting rides within the event zone.

Can I use a bike or scooter to avoid rideshares altogether?

Absolutely. Long Beach has over 120 miles of bike lanes and hundreds of scooter docking stations. A $1–$2 scooter ride can replace a $15 Uber trip for distances under 3 miles.

Is it safe to use shared rides in Long Beach?

Yes. Both Uber and Lyft have robust safety features: real-time tracking, emergency buttons, driver ratings, and license plate verification. Always confirm the driver’s name and vehicle before getting in.

Conclusion

Saving on rideshares in Long Beach isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making smarter, more intentional choices. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a student on a budget, or a visitor exploring the city’s treasures, the strategies outlined in this guide can help you reduce your transportation costs without compromising your mobility.

By mastering timing, combining public transit with short rideshare hops, leveraging promotions, and using technology to your advantage, you can transform rideshares from a financial burden into a cost-effective tool. The key is consistency: check prices before every ride, track your spending, and stay informed about local transit updates.

Long Beach is a city built for movement—on foot, on wheels, and on the road. The most efficient travelers aren’t the ones who use the most rideshares. They’re the ones who use them wisely. Start applying these tips today, and within a month, you’ll see the savings add up—not just in dollars, but in peace of mind.