Los Angeles, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $5: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Los Angeles to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$5 by trainBest price
180.25 kmDistance
2h 5m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles to San Diego 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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Traveling From Los Angeles to San Diego
The journey from Los Angeles to San Diego showcases a shift from the bustling energy of city life to the laid-back beach vibe, providing travelers a refreshing contrast in experiences.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego
San Diego features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences.
La Jolla
• Stunning coastline and beautiful beaches.
• Upscale dining and shopping options.
Gaslamp Quarter
• Rich historical architecture and vibrant nightlife.
• Numerous art galleries and theaters.
Little Italy
• Renowned for its authentic Italian restaurants.
• Hosts lively farmers markets and festivals.
Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions
Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in San Diego.
Balboa Park
Visit early on a weekday to enjoy fewer crowds in the gardens.
San Diego Zoo
Go in the morning when animals are most active and temperatures are cooler.
USS Midway Museum
Plan a visit during the late afternoon for a quieter exploration.
San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wetter winters, making it an appealing destination year-round. For the best outdoor experiences, consider spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable and crowds are lighter.
Dining Recommendation in San Diego
Try the fish tacos at The Fish Market, which highlight fresh, local seafood and offer a casual, oceanfront dining experience that sets it apart from the trendy, fusion cuisine found in Los Angeles. The emphasis on simplicity and fresh ingredients gives a distinct flavor profile that truly captures San Diego's coastal charm.
Los Angeles - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 54mEstimated price
$5-85Contact phone
+52 800 890 6821Website
http://greyhound.com.mx
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego
Average Duration
3h 15mEstimated price
$17-40Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com
Bus from Los Angeles Downtown to San Diego
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$12-55Website
http://delta.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
54mEstimated price
$190-320Website
http://united.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$180-380Los Angeles to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Los Angeles and San Diego 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 drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, covering a distance of 194.7 km in just over 2 hours. Journey through the diverse landscapes of Southern California, from bustling cityscapes to breathtaking coastal views.
💰 Enjoy the flexibility of prices ranging from $22 to $35 for the road trip between these two vibrant cities.
Average price
$22 - $35
🚆 Traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego by train is a convenient and scenic journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes. The direct Amtrak service operates every day, providing travelers with multiple options for their trip.
🌊 With a distance of 206.0 km between the two cities, passengers can enjoy a comfortable ride aboard the Pacific Surfliner train.
💰 Ticket prices for the Los Angeles to San Diego train route range from $5 to $85, making it an affordable and efficient transportation option for those looking to explore both cities.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train ride from Los Angeles to San Diego vary, but typically you'll find a café car offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, which operates this route, provides a menu featuring sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and local craft beers. Make sure to try their famous California wines, perfect for enjoying the scenic views along the coast.
• The Pacific Surfliner offers multiple seating options including First Class, Business Class, and Coach. First Class features roomier seats and complimentary snacks and beverages. Business Class provides oversized seating and a quiet car atmosphere, while Coach provides standard seating with ample legroom. Choose First Class for the best experience, especially if you plan to relax and enjoy the views without interruptions.
• When you arrive in San Diego, you’ll disembark at the Santa Fe Depot, which is centrally located. To navigate easily, know that you can leave your luggage in a storage service at the station, allowing you to explore the area without your bags. The restrooms are available at the station, but showers are not provided. For a quick trip to the city center, catch the San Diego Trolley; the Blue Line stops just outside the station and will take you to key city locations including Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town, making it the fastest way to get there. For service details, check the Metropolitan Transit System’s website.
🛫 Flying from Los Angeles to San Diego is a quick and convenient option, with a direct flight taking only 52 minutes. Both Delta and United Airlines provide flights between these two cities.
🌴 Enjoy a comfortable journey as you travel south towards San Diego, with a flight duration of approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes.
💸 The prices for flights between Los Angeles and San Diego can vary, ranging from $61 to $315.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Begin your journey from Los Angeles Union Station on a direct bus to San Diego, departing every three hours and taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
🚏 Enjoy a comfortable ride with Greyhound Mexico as you traverse the 183.5 km route from Los Angeles to San Diego, with prices ranging from $12 to $55.
🌴 Arrive at San Diego station after a pleasant 3-hour and 15-minute bus journey, ready to explore the vibrant city and its many attractions.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Download the Greyhound app before your trip; it provides real-time updates on your bus departure and arrival statuses, helping you stay informed while traveling from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego.
• Consider packing light snacks and drinks for the journey, as there are limited food options available on the bus; this is especially useful for avoiding higher prices at bus terminals.
• Upon arriving at San Diego Station, familiarize yourself with the local transit options available nearby, including the San Diego Trolley and bus routes, which can get you to popular areas like Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park quickly; you can view the maps and schedules here: sandiegan.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to San Diego.
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The cheapest way to travel from Los Angeles to San Diego is by train. Amtrak offers multiple daily departures between the two cities, with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $85, depending on the class of service and the time of booking. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes, providing a scenic and comfortable option for budget-conscious travelers.
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles to San Diego is by driving. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of fuel for the round trip is estimated to be between $22 to $35, making it a convenient and efficient option for those looking to save time.
The distance from Los Angeles to San Diego is approximately 180 km. If you prefer to travel by road, the distance is slightly longer at 195 km. This equates to a drive of about 2 hours and 38 minutes, depending on the route chosen and traffic conditions.
The most convenient and cost-effective way to travel from Los Angeles to San Diego without a car is by taking the train. Amtrak offers several daily departures from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego's Santa Fe Depot. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes, and ticket prices range from $5 to $85, depending on the type of train and seating class you choose.
The train journey from Los Angeles to San Diego takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes, including transfers.
The most affordable option to travel from Los Angeles to San Diego is by taking a train, with prices ranging from $5 to $85. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes. If you prefer a slightly longer trip, you can opt for a bus, which costs between $12 and $55 and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes. Another possibility is to fly, which will take around 3 hours and 6 minutes and range in price from $60 to $310.
There are numerous options for accommodation in San Diego. With over 1163 hotels available, you will have plenty of choices to fit your preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53 per night, making it possible to find affordable accommodations.
Yes, you can drive from Los Angeles to San Diego. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 195 km, and it takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete the journey, depending on traffic conditions. Taking a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is a popular option for travelers looking to enjoy the coastal views during their trip.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Los Angeles and San Diego. The bus departs from Los Angeles Union Station and arrives in San Diego. The bus service operates every day and departs every four hours, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
You can catch the Los Angeles to San Diego bus from Los Angeles Union Station. This is a major transportation hub in downtown Los Angeles, located at 800 N Alameda St. There are regular bus services operated by Greyhound Mexico that depart from this station and take you directly to San Diego.
The Los Angeles to San Diego bus services, operated by Greyhound Mexico, arrive at San Diego station.
To get to San Diego from Los Angeles Airport, the most convenient option is to take a taxi or a ride-sharing service, which will take around 2 hours depending on traffic conditions and can cost around $150-$200. Another option is to rent a car and drive yourself, which would take about 2 hours as well. Public transportation is also available, with options like taking a bus to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and then catching a train to San Diego, which takes around 4-5 hours and costs approximately $20-$30.
United Airlines and Delta offer flights from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport. Both airlines provide multiple daily flights between the two cities, allowing for flexibility in travel plans. The flight duration is typically around 1 hour, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers looking to reach San Diego from Los Angeles.
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles to San Diego is by taking a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport. This flight typically takes around 59 minutes. Airlines such as United Airlines and Delta offer flights on this route, with prices ranging from $61 to $305. Overall, it takes approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes to reach San Diego from Los Angeles by plane.
The flight from Los Angeles to San Diego typically takes around 59 minutes.
Trains from Los Angeles to San Diego arrive at San Diego station.
Yes, there is a direct train service between Los Angeles and San Diego. The trains depart every three hours, and operate daily. The journey on the direct train takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes.
To catch the train from Los Angeles to San Diego you will need to go to the Los Angeles station. This is where the Amtrak train services operate from.
Flight prices from Los Angeles to San Diego can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and travel dates. On average, a flight ticket can cost between $61 to $305.
The cost of a train journey from Los Angeles to San Diego varies depending on factors such as the type of ticket, time of travel, and availability. Generally, fares range from $5 to $85.
The cost of a bus ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego can range from $12 to $55 depending on the bus company, time of travel, and type of fare chosen.
The cost to drive from Los Angeles to San Diego can range from $22 to $35.
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