San Clemente, CA, USA to Santa Monica, CA, USA from $5: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Clemente to Santa Monica: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$5 by busBest price

121 kmDistance

1h 16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Clemente 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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San Clemente - Santa Monica operators

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

Train

Contact phone

(800) 371-LINK (5465)

Website

https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from San Clemente station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

$161-162

Train from San Clemente Pier station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration

1h 42m

Estimated price

$161-162

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Clemente Pier Amtrak to Los Angeles

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

$168-430

Tram

Contact phone

+1-323-466-3876

Website

https://www.metro.net/

Tram from 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines to Downtown Santa Monica Station

Average Duration

46m

Estimated price

$168-168

Bus

Contact phone

+1-323-466-3876

Website

https://www.metro.net/

Bus from Cesar E Chavez / Alameda to 5th / Santa Monica

Average Duration

1h 42m

Estimated price

$168-168

Bus from Patsaouras Transit Plaza to 5th / Santa Monica

Average Duration

1h 46m

Estimated price

$168-168

San Clemente to Santa Monica: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Clemente 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 picturesque road trip from San Clemente to Santa Monica, spanning 75 miles of beautiful Californian coastline. Enjoy a scenic drive that takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes, filled with stunning ocean views and sunny weather. 🌴 Explore the flexibility of travel options as the prices for the journey by car range from $13 to $20, offering budget-friendly choices for every traveler. Whether you opt for a leisurely drive along the Pacific Coast Highway or a more direct route, the trip promises convenience and affordability.

Average price

$13 - $20

🚆 Traveling from San Clemente to Santa Monica by train can be a scenic journey with a few transfers along the way. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes. 🚆 The trip involves changing trains at Union Station for the Metro B & D Lines and again at 7th Street / Metro Center Station for the Metro A & E Lines. Once you reach Downtown Santa Monica Station, you'll be just a short distance from the famous Santa Monica Pier and beach.

Departure Point

San Clemente station

Arrival Point

Downtown Santa Monica Station

Frequently asked questions

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The distance between San Clemente and Santa Monica is 65 miles by air, but the road distance is slightly longer at 75 miles. Traveling by train and tram takes approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes from San Clemente to Santa Monica. On the other hand, driving by car can take around 1 hour and 16 minutes to cover the distance between Santa Monica and San Clemente.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Clemente to Santa Monica is to drive. It costs between $13-$20, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes, making it both affordable and relatively quick. Driving allows for flexibility in scheduling and the convenience of traveling door-to-door without the need to transfer between different modes of transportation.

To travel from San Clemente to Santa Monica without using public transportation, you can drive the 75-mile distance directly, which usually takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving from San Clemente to Santa Monica typically ranges from $13 to $20, considering factors like gas and toll expenses. Driving yourself provides flexibility in your schedule and the ability to explore the scenic route along the Pacific Coast Highway for an enjoyable road trip experience.

To travel from San Clemente to Santa Monica without a car, the best option is to take a train and tram, which typically takes around 2 hours and 42 minutes. The cost for this journey ranges from $16 to $45. This route allows you to enjoy a scenic ride and minimizes the stress of driving in traffic while providing a convenient and affordable travel option.

There is no direct train link between San Clemente and Santa Monica. Travelers can take a combination of trains and tram services, with transfers at Union Station - Metro B & D Lines and 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines, which takes around 2 hours and 42 minutes. The journey involves Metrolink Trains departing from San Clemente station and arriving at Downtown Santa Monica Station, operated by Metro Los Angeles. Alternative modes of transportation like driving by car can take approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes for the same route.

There are 3032+ hotels available in Santa Monica, with prices starting at $98 per night. Some popular hotel options near Santa Monica include the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Shore Hotel, and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation types, from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly motels, ensuring there is something for every traveler's preference and budget.