Rome2Rio

How to get fromLake Forest to Santa Monicaby train, tram, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)

Find Transport to Santa Monica

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Lake Forest to Santa Monica by train, tram, bus, car, or bus (Amtrak)

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, tram

    best
    1. Take the train from Irvine to Los Angelestrain train Pacific Surfliner
    2. Take the tram from 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines to Downtown Santa Monica Stationtram tram Metro E Line
    2h 8m
    $29–42

  2. Bus, line 4 bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Laguna Hills Trans Ctr Dock 5 to Fullerton Park And Ride Dock 5bus bus 83
    2. Take the bus from Fullerton Park & Ride Dock 14 to 6th / Broadwaybus bus 460
    3. Take the bus from Broadway / 7th to Santa Monica / Lincolnbus bus 4
    5h 13m
    $4–6

  3. Train, line 33 bus

    1. Take the train from Irvine to L.A. Union Stationtrain train OC Line
    2. Take the bus from Patsaouras Transit Plaza to 5th / Santa Monicabus bus 33
    3h 9m
    $10–14

  4. Drive  59.4 mi

    1. Drive from Lake Forest to Santa Monicacar car 59.4 mi
    1h 4m
    $11–16

  5. Bus, line 33 bus

    1. Take the bus from Irvine to Los Angelesbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    2. Take the bus from Patsaouras Transit Plaza to 5th / Santa Monicabus bus 33
    3h 41m

Lake Forest to Santa Monica by train, subway, and tram

Calendar91Weekly Services
Duration2h 8mAverage Duration
Ticket$29Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Lake Forest to Santa Monica.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 61.7 mi
  • Duration: 2h 8m

What companies run services between Lake Forest, Orange County, CA, USA and Santa Monica, CA, USA?

You can take a bus from Irvine to 5th / Santa Monica via Los Angeles and Patsaouras Transit Plaza in around 3h 41m.

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

Booking & Getting There