The average train between El Cajon and Santa Monica takes 5h 4m and the fastest train takes 4h 45m. There is a train service every few hours from El Cajon to Santa Monica. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Trains run hourly between El Cajon and Santa Monica. The earliest departure is at 4:59 AM at night, and the last departure from El Cajon is at 11:59 PM which arrives into Santa Monica at 8:25 AM. All services require a transfer at Old Town Station and take an average of 5h 4m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.
Arrives next day



4h 51m • 3 changes
Arrives next day



8h • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



5h 3m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



5h 3m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes



4h 48m • 3 changes
Want to know about travelling from El Cajon to Santa Monica? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct train from El Cajon to Santa Monica. However, there are services departing from El Cajon station and arriving at Santa Monica station via Los Angeles. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 4m.
El Cajon to Santa Monica train services, operated by San Diego Metro Transit, depart from San Diego Old Town Transportation Center station.
El Cajon to Santa Monica train services, operated by San Diego Metro Transit, arrive at Los Angeles station.
The distance between El Cajon and Santa Monica is 196.7 km. The road distance is 252 km.
Amtrak operates a train from San Diego Old Town Transportation Center to Los Angeles hourly. Tickets cost $40–85 and the journey takes 2h 47m.