Rome2Rio

How to get fromDowntown San Diego to Santa Monicaby train (Amtrak), bus, car, plane, tram, or bus (Greyhound)

Find Transport to Santa Monica

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Downtown San Diego to Santa Monica by train (Amtrak), bus, car, plane, tram, or bus (Greyhound)

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Train (Amtrak)

    best
    1. Take the train from San Diego to Los Angelestrain train Pacific Surfliner
    4h 23m
    $43–86
  2. Bus, line 33 bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US0831
    2. Take the bus from Patsaouras Transit Plaza to 5th / Santa Monicabus bus 33
    6h
    $19–36
  3. Bus, line 3 bus

    1. Take the bus from San Diego to LAX Terminal 7 Shared Rides Stopbus bus reLAXsan
    2. Take the bus from LAX/Metro Transit Center to 4Th Nb & Santa Monica Nsbus bus 3
    5h 12m
    $60–107
  4. Drive 132 mi

    1. Drive from Downtown San Diego to Santa Monicacar car 132 mi
    2h 22m
    $25–35
  5. Fly, tram

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane SAN - LAX
    2. Take the tram from LAX / Metro Transit Center to Expo / Crenshaw K-Line Stationtram tram
    3. Take the tram from Expo / Crenshaw E-Line Station to Downtown Santa Monica Stationtram tram
    3h 57m
    $166–561

Downtown San Diego to Santa Monica by foot, tram, and bus

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration6hAverage Duration
Ticket$19Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

What companies run services between Downtown San Diego, CA, USA and Santa Monica, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from San Diego to Los Angeles hourly. Tickets cost $35–85 and the journey takes 2h 56m. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Downtown San Diego to 4Th Nb & Santa Monica Ns via Santa Fe Depot, Old Town Station, San Diego, LAX Terminal 7 Shared Rides Stop, LAX Terminal 6 Lower Level, Metro Transit Center Bay 2, and LAX/Metro Transit Center in around 5h 12m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

More Questions & Answers