The average train between Santa Monica and El Cajon takes 4h 55m and the fastest train takes 4h 37m. There is a train service every few hours from Santa Monica to El Cajon. 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 Santa Monica and El Cajon. The earliest departure is at 4:57 AM at night, and the last departure from Santa Monica is at 8:56 PM which arrives into El Cajon at 5:31 AM. All services require a transfer at 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines and take an average of 4h 55m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 41m • 3 changes



4h 37m • 3 changes



4h 37m • 3 changes



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 41m • 3 changes



4h 37m • 3 changes



4h 37m • 3 changes



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 37m • 3 changes



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 49m • 3 changes



4h 37m • 3 changes
Want to know about travelling from Santa Monica to El Cajon? 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 Santa Monica to El Cajon. However, there are services departing from Santa Monica station and arriving at El Cajon station via San Diego Old Town Transportation Center. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 55m.
Santa Monica to El Cajon train services, operated by Metro Los Angeles, depart from Los Angeles station.
Santa Monica to El Cajon train services, operated by Metro Los Angeles, arrive at San Diego Old Town Transportation Center station.
The distance between Santa Monica and El Cajon is 196.7 km. The road distance is 252 km.
Amtrak operates a train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center hourly. Tickets cost $40–85 and the journey takes 2h 42m.