Rome2Rio

How to get fromSan Diego to Californiaby train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak, Flixbus), car, or plane

Find Transport to California

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from San Diego to California by train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak, Flixbus), car, or plane

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
    2h 56m
    $40–85

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from San Diego to Los Angelesbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    3h 20m
    $20–65

  3. Drive 120.2 mi

    1. Drive from San Diego to Los Angelescar car 120.2 mi
    2h 7m
    $22–32

  4. Fly to Los Angeles International Airport

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane SAN - LAX
    1h 56m
    $161–784

  5. Fly to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane SAN - SJC
    2h
    $79–269

  6. Fly to Fresno Yosemite International Airport

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)plane plane SAN - FAT
    2h 52m
    $83–527

San Diego to California by train (Amtrak)

Calendar91Weekly Trains
Duration2h 56mAverage Duration
Ticket$40Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Diego to California.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 126.7 mi
  • Duration: 2h 56m

What companies run services between San Diego, CA, USA and California, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from San Diego to Los Angeles hourly. Tickets cost $40–85 and the journey takes 2h 56m. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a bus from San Diego to Los Angeles once daily. Tickets cost $40–65 and the journey takes 3h 20m. Two other operators also service this route.

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

More Questions & Answers