The short answer
CATALINA EXPRESS TICKETING is an authentic passenger ferry transit charge from Catalina Channel Express Inc (Catalina Express) for high-speed catamaran ferry trips between mainland Southern California (Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point) and Catalina Island (Avalon and Two Harbors).
Why Catalina Express Billed Your Card
CATALINA EXPRESS TICKETING on your statement is a charge from Catalina Channel Express Inc, the company that runs high-speed passenger catamaran ferries between three Southern California mainland ports — Long Beach, San Pedro, and Dana Point — and Santa Catalina Island. The company carries over one million passengers a year to Avalon and Two Harbors. Fares typically run $42–$95 per adult one-way, with round-trip purchases and multi-rider bookings bringing the total up from there.
This descriptor appears when you book tickets online at catalinaexpress.com, by phone, or at a port ticket counter. It also shows up for Commodore Lounge or Captain's Lounge upgrade fees, excess baggage or bicycle transport surcharges, and cancellation fees applied when a reservation is changed outside the free-change window. If someone in your household took a day trip to Avalon or visited Two Harbors for camping, this charge is almost certainly the reason.
To confirm the charge, search your email for a booking confirmation from catalinaexpress.com — it will include a reservation number and the passenger names. You can also call Catalina Express directly at 800-481-3470 and provide the travel date and billed amount. If the charge is genuinely unrecognized, contact your card issuer to dispute it. Cancellations must be submitted at least 24 hours before departure to avoid per-passenger fees; refunds return to the original card within 5 to 7 business days.
- Round-trip or one-way passenger ticket booked to Avalon or Two Harbors on Catalina Island
- Commodore Lounge or Captain's Lounge upgrade surcharge
- Excess baggage, bicycle, or surfboard transport fee
- Cancellation or modification fee for itinerary changes made outside the fee-free window
- Search your email for an automated booking confirmation and reservation number from catalinaexpress.com.
- Verify whether someone in your household visited Santa Catalina Island for leisure or business.
- Check whether the transaction amount corresponds to standard adult round-trip passenger fares.
What is the cancellation policy for Catalina Express tickets?
Reservations must be cancelled or changed at least 24 hours prior to departure time to receive a refund or travel credit; a cancellation fee per passenger may apply.
How do I update or modify my departure time on Catalina Express?
Call Catalina Express customer reservations at 310-519-1212 or 800-481-3470 with your reservation number.
Independent reference — not affiliated with Catalina Channel Express Inc. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- Catalina Express Fares and Ticket Information https://www.catalinaexpress.com/fares.html
- Catalina Express Ticket Policies and Guidelines https://www.catalinaexpress.com/ticket-policies.html
Reviewed Sep 11, 2026 · high · About UnknownCharges