Rome2Rio

How to get fromSanta Monica to Downtown San Diegoby bus, train, bus (Amtrak), car, plane, or bus (Flixbus)

Find Transport to Downtown San Diego

See all options

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

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

  1. Line 33 bus, train

    best
    1. Take the bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Cesar E Chavez / Alamedabus bus 33
    2. Take the train from Los Angeles to San Diegotrain train Pacific Surfliner
    5h 45m
    $39–92

  2. Line 33 bus, bus via Old Town Station

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Cesar E Chavez / Vignesbus bus 33
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to San Diegobus bus FlixBus 2006 / ...
    7h 9m
    $21–37

  3. Line 33 bus, bus

    1. Take the bus from 2nd / Broadway to Cesar E Chavez / Alamedabus bus 33
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles to San Diegobus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    5h 54m
    $42–62

  4. Drive 131.6 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Monica to Downtown San Diegocar car 131.6 mi
    2h 22m
    $24–35

  5. Line 3 bus, fly

    1. Take the bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to LAX/Metro Transit Centerbus bus
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane LAX - SAN
    3h 53m
    $163–558

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

Calendar91Weekly Services
Duration5h 45mAverage Duration
Ticket$39Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to Downtown San Diego.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 151 mi
  • Duration: 5h 45m

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

You can take a bus from 2nd / Broadway to Downtown San Diego via Cesar E Chavez / Alameda, Los Angeles, and San Diego in around 5h 54m.

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