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How to get fromSanta Monica to El Cajonby train (Amtrak), bus, car, plane, tram, or bus (Flixbus)

Find Transport to El Cajon

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There are 5 ways to get from Santa Monica to El Cajon by train (Amtrak), bus, car, plane, tram, 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. Train (Amtrak)

    best
    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Centertrain train Pacific Surfliner
    5h 22m
    $71–129

  2. Line 33 bus, bus

    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 24m
    $24–52

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from LAX Terminal 1 Shared Rides Stop to San Diegobus bus reLAXsan
    5h 46m

  4. Drive  138.1 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Monica to El Cajoncar car 138.1 mi
    2h 29m
    $26–37

  5. Line 3 bus, fly, tram

    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
    3. Take the tram from Santa Fe Depot to El Cajon Stationtram tram
    4h 27m
    $145–483

Santa Monica to El Cajon by tram, subway, and train (Amtrak)

Calendar91Weekly Services
Duration5h 22mAverage Duration
Ticket$71Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to El Cajon.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 156.5 mi
  • Duration: 5h 22m

What companies run services between Santa Monica, CA, USA and El Cajon, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center hourly. Tickets cost $65–110 and the journey takes 2h 42m. Alternatively, reLAXsan operates a bus from LAX Terminal 1 Shared Rides Stop to San Diego 5 times a day, and the journey takes 2h 35m.

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