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

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There are 5 ways to get from Santa Monica to San Diego by train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak), car, bus, 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. Train (Amtrak)

    best
    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to San Diegotrain train Pacific Surfliner
    4h 48m
    $44–89

  2. Line 33 bus, bus via San Diego

    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 2017
    6h 6m
    $24–42

  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 30m
    $42–67

  4. Drive 131.8 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Monica to San Diegocar car 131.8 mi
    2h 23m
    $25–35

  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
    2h 58m
    $161–653

Santa Monica to San Diego by tram, subway, and train (Amtrak)

Calendar91Weekly Services
Duration4h 48mAverage Duration
Ticket$44Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to San Diego.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 144 mi
  • Duration: 4h 48m

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

Amtrak operates a train from Los Angeles to San Diego hourly. Tickets cost $40–85 and the journey takes 2h 57m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from 2nd / Broadway to San Diego via Cesar E Chavez / Alameda and Los Angeles in around 5h 30m.

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