Costa Mesa, CA, USA to Santa Monica, CA, USA from $13: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$13 by busBest price

80 kmDistance

52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Costa Mesa - Santa Monica operators

Explore transport companies operating between Costa Mesa and Santa Monica, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus

Contact phone

+1 714-560-6282

Website

octa.net

Bus from Harbor-Bernard to Harbor-East Shuttle Area

Average Duration

1h 3m

Estimated price

$0-1120

Bus from Harbor-Bernard to Fullerton Trans Ctr Dock 2

Average Duration

1h 27m

Estimated price

$0-1120

Contact phone

+1-323-466-3876

Website

metro.net

Bus from Disneyland Employee's Entrance to Figueroa / Pico

Average Duration

1h 50m

Estimated price

$0-1120

Bus from Disneyland Employee's Entrance to 6th / Broadway

Average Duration

1h 57m

Estimated price

$0-1120

Bus from 5th / Hill to Wilshire / Lincoln

Average Duration

55m

Estimated price

$0-1120

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Santa Ana to Los Angeles

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$410-411

Contact phone

(800) 371-LINK (5465)

Website

metrolinktrains.com

Train from Fullerton station to L. A. Union Station

Average Duration

41m

Estimated price

$1121-4106

Taxi

Website

various

Taxi from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$200-250

Costa Mesa to Santa Monica: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Costa Mesa and Santa Monica offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica, spanning a charming driving distance of 50 miles. With an estimated travel time of just under an hour, the journey promises a smooth and enjoyable ride along the California coast. 💸 Depending on your route and choice of stops, the cost of driving from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica ranges from $9 to $13. Plan ahead to factor in any potential tolls or parking fees, ensuring a budget-friendly and hassle-free excursion.

Average price

$9 - $13

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica, you can take a bus departing from Harbor-Bernard. 🌴 The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes. 🚏 The Costa Mesa to Santa Monica bus services are operated by OCTA and Metro Los Angeles. 🗺️ You will have to make transfers at Disneyland Employee's Entrance and 5th / Hill before arriving at Wilshire / Lincoln station. 🕓 It takes about 4 hours and 2 minutes to reach Santa Monica from Costa Mesa by bus. 🌊 Enjoy the scenic route and make sure to check the bus schedules for a smooth and comfortable journey.

Departure Point

Harbor-Bernard station

Arrival Point

Wilshire / Lincoln station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica.

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The distance between Costa Mesa and Santa Monica is approximately 68 km or 42 miles. If you prefer to drive, it would take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, if you choose to take public transportation, it would take around 2 hours and 11 minutes by train and tram or approximately 4 hours and 3 minutes by bus.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica is to drive, which costs between $9 and $13 and takes approximately 52 minutes. This is the quickest way as well. However, if you prefer not to drive, taking a taxi is also a time-efficient option, costing between $200 and $250 and taking the same amount of time.

To travel from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica without using public transportation, you can drive your own car or rent one. The distance between the two cities is approximately 80 km, and it takes around 52 minutes to drive. The cost of driving can vary between $9 and $13, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.

The best way to travel from Costa Mesa to Santa Monica without a car is by train and tram. This journey takes approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes and typically costs between $40 and $120.

No, there is no direct link between Costa Mesa and Santa Monica by bus. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 47 minutes, including transfers. The bus services are operated by OCTA and Metro Los Angeles.

There are plenty of hotels available near Santa Monica with over 1410 options to choose from. Prices start at $87 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly accommodations to luxury resorts. Some popular hotels in the area include The Georgian Hotel, Shore Hotel, and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Whether you're looking for a beachfront property or a cozy boutique hotel, Santa Monica offers a variety of options to suit every traveler's needs.