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How to get fromSanta Monica to La Mesaby train (Amtrak), bus, car, plane, tram, bus (Greyhound), or train

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There are 6 ways to get from Santa Monica to La Mesa by train (Amtrak), bus, car, plane, tram, bus (Greyhound), or train

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 10m
    $46–103

  2. Drive 134.7 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Santa Monica to La Mesacar car 134.7 mi
    2h 25m
    $25–36

  3. Line 3 bus, bus, line 10 bus

    1. Take the bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to LAX/Metro Transit Centerbus bus 3
    2. Take the bus from LAX Terminal 1 Shared Rides Stop to San Diegobus bus
    3. Take the bus from Old Town Transit Center to University Av & College Avbus bus 10
    6h 5m

  4. 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 Civic Center Station to La Mesa Blvd Stationtram tram
    4h 24m
    $165–673

  5. Line 33 bus, bus

    1. Take the bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Patsaouras Transit Plazabus bus 33
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diegobus bus Los Angeles
    6h 12m
    $27–56

  6. Line 33 bus, train

    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
    6h 23m
    $44–102

Santa Monica to La Mesa by tram, subway, and train (Amtrak)

Calendar91Weekly Services
Duration5h 10mAverage Duration
Ticket$46Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to La Mesa.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 151.6 mi
  • Duration: 5h 10m

What companies run services between Santa Monica, CA, USA and La Mesa, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center hourly. Tickets cost $40–85 and the journey takes 2h 42m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to University Av & Allison Av via LAX/Metro Transit Center, Metro Transit Center Bay 2, LAX Terminal 1, LAX Terminal 1 Shared Rides Stop, San Diego, Old Town Transit Center, and University Av & College Av in around 6h 5m.

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