There are 3 ways to get from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita by tram, train, car, or bus
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.
Tram, train
best- Take the tram from El Cajon Station to Old Town Stationtram Green
- Take the train from San Diego Old Town Transportation Center to Irvinetrain Pacific Surfliner
3h 25m$56–110Drive 85.6 mi
cheapest- Drive from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margaritacar 85.6 mi
1h 33m$16–23Train, line 91 bus
- Take the train from San Diego Old Town Transportation Center to San Juan Capistrano Amtrak Stationtrain Pacific Surfliner
- Take the bus from Camino Capistrano-Old Mission to Laguna Hills Trans Ctr Dock 7bus 91
5h 21m$26–64
El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita by tram, train, and bus
Questions & Answers
The cheapest way to get from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita is to drive which costs $15 - $23 and takes 1h 33m.
The fastest way to get from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita is to drive which takes 1h 33m and costs $15 - $23.
No, there is no direct train from El Cajon station to Rancho Santa Margarita. However, there are services departing from El Cajon Station and arriving at Irvine via San Diego Old Town Transportation Center. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3h 25m.
The distance between El Cajon and Rancho Santa Margarita is 105 miles. The road distance is 86.1 miles.
The best way to get from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita without a car is to tram and train which takes 3h 25m and costs $55 - $110.
It takes approximately 3h 25m to get from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita, including transfers.
El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita train services, operated by San Diego Metro Transit, depart from El Cajon Station.
El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita train services, operated by San Diego Metro Transit, arrive at Old Town Station.
Yes, the driving distance between El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita is 86 miles. It takes approximately 1h 33m to drive from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita.
There are 349+ hotels available in Rancho Santa Margarita.
What companies run services between El Cajon, CA, USA and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA?
There is no direct connection from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita. However, you can take the vehicle to Old Town Station, walk to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center, take the train to Irvine, then take the taxi to Rancho Santa Margarita. Alternatively, you can drive from El Cajon to Rancho Santa Margarita in around 1h 33m.
- Phone
- +1 619-557-4555
- Website
- MTS
Tram from El Cajon Station to Old Town Station
- Ave. Duration
- 38 min
- Frequency
- Every 20 minutes
- Estimated price
- $2–15
- Website
- MTS
- Schedules at
- MTS Schedules
Rome2Rio's guide to Amtrak
Contact DetailsContact Details
- Phone
- +1 800-872-7245
- Website
- Amtrak
Train from San Diego Old Town Transportation Center to Irvine
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 41m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- $24–55
- Website
- Amtrak
Train from San Diego Old Town Transportation Center to San Juan Capistrano Amtrak Station
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 25m
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- $20–45
- Website
- Amtrak
- Phone
- +1 714-560-6282
- Website
- octa.net
Bus from Camino Capistrano-Old Mission to Laguna Hills Trans Ctr Dock 7
- Ave. Duration
- 47 min
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Estimated price
- $2
- Schedules at
- octa.net
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