Riverside, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $11: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Riverside to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$11 by busBest price
140 kmDistance
1h 42m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Riverside 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.
Riverside - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Riverside and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
(800) 371-LINK (5465)Website
https://metrolinktrains.com
Train from Riverside-Downtown station to Santa Ana station
Average Duration
59mEstimated price
$12-104Train from Riverside-Downtown station to Oceanside station
Average Duration
2h 4mEstimated price
$11-55Train from Riverside-Downtown station to L. A. Union Station
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$11-104Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Santa Ana to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 3mEstimated price
$12-104Train from Oceanside to San Diego
Average Duration
59mEstimated price
$11-104Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://flixbus.com
Bus from Riverside to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 30mEstimated price
$11-55Bus from Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 to UTC Transit Center
Average Duration
1h 53mEstimated price
$13-44Website
delta.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
54mEstimated price
$123-124Website
united.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1hEstimated price
$125-126Riverside to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Riverside 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.
Average price
$17 - $26
Traveling by train from Riverside to San Diego can be a convenient and scenic option. While there is no direct train from Riverside station to San Diego, travelers can take the Metrolink Trains service from Riverside-Downtown station to Santa Ana, and then transfer to an Amtrak train that will arrive at San Diego station. The entire journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes. The prices for a train ticket between Riverside and San Diego range from $12 to $104, offering flexibility for different budgets. Overall, taking the train is a comfortable and affordable way to travel from Riverside to San Diego while enjoying the California scenery.
Departure Point
Riverside-Downtown station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Riverside to San Diego, consider utilizing Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service, which offers a café car with a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals available for purchase. Be sure to check their menu and grab a meal to enjoy while taking in the scenic coastal views.
• Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provides several seating options: Business Class offers more spacious seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and access to priority boarding, while Economy Class features standard seating at a lower price point. If you prefer a quieter environment and additional amenities, opt for Business Class.
• Upon arriving at San Diego's Santa Fe Depot, you can store your luggage at the Amtrak ticket counter for a fee, allowing you to explore without the hassle of carrying your bags. The station has clean restrooms but does not have showers. To reach the city center quickly, catch the San Diego Trolley's Blue Line, which connects directly to popular downtown areas. The nearest station is just a block away from the depot.
When traveling from Riverside to San Diego by plane, the quickest option is a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport, which typically takes around 59 minutes. Both United Airlines and Delta offer flights for this route, providing travelers with flexible options and schedules. Passengers can enjoy a convenient and efficient journey, avoiding the hassle of long layovers or multiple connections. With the short flight duration, travelers can quickly reach their destination, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a fast and comfortable travel experience. Overall, flying from Riverside to San Diego offers a convenient, time-saving option for those looking to reach their destination quickly and efficiently.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
The trip from Riverside to San Diego by bus involves transferring at Fullerton Amtrak Station and takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. Although there is no direct bus service between the two cities, the journey can be comfortably completed with Amtrak. The bus services are operated by Amtrak, with departure from Riverside station and arrival at San Diego Santa Fe Depot. Passengers can enjoy a scenic ride and relax during the journey, and the 4-hour travel time allows for plenty of opportunities to take in the beautiful Southern California landscape. Overall, the trip offers a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two vibrant cities.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Before your trip, ensure you check the schedules of all bus operators available on your route; both Amtrak Chartered Motorcoach and FlixBus provide options, and you can find details on their websites: Amtrak - amtrak.com and FlixBus - flixbus.com
• Bring snacks and water for the trip, as you may have limited options during your transfers, especially at Montclair Transit Center; consider packing easy-to-eat foods like granola bars or fruits.
• Upon arrival at the San Diego (Downtown/Seaport Village) station, familiarize yourself with the local transit options like the San Diego Trolley, which connects to various popular destinations across the city; check the SANDAG website for transit maps and schedules: sandag.org
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Riverside to San Diego.
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The cheapest way to travel from Riverside to San Diego is by driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 110 miles, and the journey takes around 1 hour and 42 minutes. The estimated cost of fuel for the trip is between $17 and $26, depending on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
The fastest way to travel from Riverside to San Diego is by driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 100 miles and can be covered in about 1 hour and 42 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The distance from Riverside to San Diego is approximately 140 kilometers. If you prefer to travel by road, the road distance is about 158 kilometers. The journey by car usually takes around 1 hour and 42 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.
There are a few options for traveling from Riverside to San Diego without a car. The most convenient and affordable method is by taking the train. Amtrak operates several daily trains between the two cities, with an average travel time of 4 hours and 2 minutes. The train ticket prices range from $12 to $110, depending on the class of service and the time of booking.
The duration of the journey from Riverside to San Diego depends on the mode of transportation chosen. If you plan to drive, it takes approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes to cover the distance of around 116 miles. However, if you opt for public transportation, such as a bus or train, the travel time can be longer, averaging around 4 hours and 2 minutes, which includes necessary transfers.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels available, travelers are sure to find something that suits their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53 per night, with a wide range of options to choose from, including luxury hotels, budget accommodations, and vacation rentals.
Yes, you can drive from Riverside to San Diego. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 159 km. It typically takes around 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete the journey by car, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Riverside and San Diego. However, you can take a bus from Riverside to Fullerton Amtrak Station and then transfer to another bus that will take you to San Diego Santa Fe Depot. The journey will take approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes, including transfers.
You can catch the bus from Riverside to San Diego at the Riverside station. The bus services are operated by Amtrak, a reliable transportation company. Make sure to check the Amtrak schedule for departure times and any additional information you may need for your journey.
The Riverside to San Diego bus operated by Amtrak arrives at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot station. This station is located in downtown San Diego, making it a convenient location for travelers to explore the city. The depot is well-connected to other transportation options, such as taxis, buses, and the San Diego Trolley, allowing travelers to easily reach their final destination in the city.
United Airlines and Delta offer flights from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport.
The fastest way to travel from Riverside to San Diego is by plane. A direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport takes around 59 minutes. United Airlines and Delta are among the airlines that offer flights on this route.
The flight from Riverside to San Diego is relatively short. The quickest option is to fly from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego Airport, which takes about 59 minutes.
Trains from Riverside to San Diego operated by Amtrak, arrive at the San Diego station.
No, there is no direct train between Riverside and San Diego. However, you can take a train from Riverside-Downtown station to Santa Ana and then transfer to another train that will take you to San Diego. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes.
To catch the train from Riverside to San Diego you can go to the Riverside-Downtown station. This station is operated by Metrolink Trains, and it is located in downtown Riverside.
The cost of a train ticket from Riverside to San Diego can range from $12 to $104, depending on factors such as the time of travel, class of service, and whether it is a one-way or round-trip ticket. It is advisable to book in advance to secure lower fares. The journey by train takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, providing a comfortable and scenic option for travel between the two cities.
The cost of driving from Riverside to San Diego can range from $17 to $26, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency. This estimate takes into account the distance of approximately 105 miles between the two cities.