Monterey, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $22: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Monterey to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$22 by trainBest price

615 kmDistance

1h 55m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Monterey 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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Monterey - San Diego operators

Explore transport companies operating between Monterey and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from Monterey (MRY) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 22m

Estimated price

$3711-1358

Website

southwest.com

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 20m

Estimated price

$1357-1358

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$1359-3710

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Salinas to Los Angeles

Average Duration

9h 5m

Estimated price

$3718-1356

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration

2h 54m

Estimated price

$225-1357

Train from Salinas to Los Angeles

Average Duration

7h 40m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Salinas Train Station to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

6h 35m

Estimated price

$227-3712

Contact phone

+52 800 890 6821

Website

greyhound.com.mx

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego

Average Duration

3h 15m

Estimated price

$226-3715

Shuttle

Contact phone

+1 831-373-7777

Website

groometransportation.com

Shuttle from Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage to San Jose International Airport

Average Duration

1h 55m

Estimated price

$3715-221

Shuttle from Monterey - Calle Principal / Parking Garage to SFO Airport International Arrivals

Average Duration

2h 50m

Estimated price

$1355-3717

Monterey to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Monterey 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 picturesque road trip from Monterey to San Diego spanning 444 miles, with approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes of driving time ahead. 🌊 Enjoy the scenic coastal views as you traverse down Highway 1, with the option to make memorable stops in charming towns like Santa Barbara and Malibu along the way. ⛵️ With car rental prices ranging from $80 to $120, this journey promises a blend of adventure and relaxation, culminating in the vibrant city of San Diego.

Average price

$80 - $120

🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Monterey to San Diego spanning approximately 14 hours and 48 minutes. Traverse through the picturesque landscapes of California as you relax on the train. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride between Monterey and San Diego can range from as low as $22 to a maximum of $228, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

🛫 Flying from Monterey to San Diego is a convenient and efficient way to travel, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 22 minutes on Alaska Airlines, Inc. ✈️ The total travel time from Monterey to San Diego by plane is approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, allowing for a quick and comfortable journey between the two cities. 💰 The cost of a flight between Monterey and San Diego can range from $135 to $371, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a ticket that fits their budget and travel preferences.

Departure Point

Monterey Airport

Arrival Point

San Diego Airport

🚌 Traveling from Monterey to San Diego by bus requires navigating through transfers at Salinas Train Station and Los Angeles Union Station, with a total journey time of approximately 12 hours and 39 minutes. 🌉 The route encompasses a distance of 559 miles, with two transfers along the way. Passengers will first board the Monterey Airbus to SFO, then transfer to a Greyhound bus heading towards Los Angeles before finally reaching San Diego. 💰 Prices for this bus journey from Monterey to San Diego can range from $47 to $138, providing a cost-effective means of transportation for those looking to explore the scenic route between these two California cities.

Departure Point

Salinas Train Station

Arrival Point

San Diego station

Frequently asked questions

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The distance between Monterey and San Diego is approximately 615 km by air. The fastest mode of transportation is by plane, with a typical travel time of 3 hours and 7 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes about 7 hours and 34 minutes, and by bus, it takes approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes. Alternatively, taking a train from Monterey to San Diego would take around 14 hours and 49 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Monterey to San Diego is by train, with fares ranging from $22 to $230. Although it takes longer at 14 hours and 49 minutes, it offers a more budget-friendly alternative. If time is a priority, flying is the most time-efficient option, taking only 3 hours and 7 minutes with ticket prices ranging from $110 to $340.

The price range for a train ticket from Monterey to San Diego varies from $22 to $228. Similarly, the cost of a bus ticket between San Diego and Monterey ranges from $45 to $138.

To get from Monterey to San Diego without using public transportation, the best option would be to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 714 km, and it takes around 7 hours and 34 minutes to drive from Monterey to San Diego. The approximate cost of the trip by car ranges from $80 to $120, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.

To travel from Monterey to San Diego without a car, you have several options. The fastest option is to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $110 and $340. Another option is to take a bus, which takes 12 hours and 40 minutes and costs $45 to $140. If you prefer a scenic route, you can also take a train, which takes around 14 hours and 49 minutes and costs between $22 and $230.

There is no direct link between Monterey and San Diego by bus. However, there are bus services that involve transfers, departing from Salinas Train Station and arriving at San Diego via Los Angeles Union Station. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes.

The flight between Monterey and San Diego typically takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $112 and $336, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels available, travelers can choose from a range of options to suit their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at $53 per night, offering an affordable option for those on a tight budget.