The Scots-born comedian insisted that he was not retiring, saying: “I’m not stopping doing it, I’m stopping doing this.”
Craig Ferguson’s role will be filled by James Corden, 36, from March 23.
His final guest was Jay Leno, who bowed out of hosting The Tonight Show earlier this year.
Craig Ferguson and Jay Leno spoke about the pitfalls of presenting chat shows, while Leno said that it was “fun being a comedian again instead of a talk show host”.
The 52-year-old presenter, who fronted the late night show on CBS for 2,058 episodes, is expected to present a new early evening program.
However, Craig Ferguson remained tight-lipped about the precise nature of his future plans during his final appearance.
James Corden, known for presenting the Brit Awards and starring in sitcom Gavin and Stacey, was confirmed as the new Late Late Show presenter in September and made an appearance on the program on December 17.
The actor said he was “hugely excited” to host the program and would do his best “to make a show that America will enjoy”.
James Corden’s profile in the US was boosted in 2012 when he won a Tony for his role in the Broadway transfer of stage hit One Man, Two Guvnors.
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