San Diego, CA, USA to El Cajon, CA, USA from $1: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$1 TramBest price

24 kmDistance

16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to El Cajon 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 Diego - El Cajon operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+1 619-233-3004

Website

https://www.sdmts.com

Train from Fifth Avenue Station to El Cajon Station

Average Duration

48m

Estimated price

$1-3

Bus

Contact phone

+1 619-233-3004

Website

https://www.sdmts.com

Bus from Broadway & 5th Av to SDSU Transit Center

Average Duration

41m

Estimated price

$1-5

Bus from College Av & SDSU Transit Center to El Cajon Transit Center

Average Duration

46m

Estimated price

$1-5

Taxi

Contact phone

+1 619-291-3333

Taxi from San Diego to El Cajon

Average Duration

16m

Estimated price

$50-65

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

Traveling between San Diego and El Cajon 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 San Diego to El Cajon, spanning a distance of just 15 miles, making it a quick and convenient journey. In just around 16 minutes, you'll find yourself transitioning from the bustling city vibes of San Diego to the charming suburban feel of El Cajon. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of transportation costs ranging from $2 to $4 for the trip by car, offering an affordable and budget-friendly travel option. Whether you're seeking a solo adventure or a group outing, the accessibility of this route ensures a hassle-free and economic way to reach El Cajon from San Diego.

Average price

$2 - $4

🌄 Sit back and relax as you glide through the scenic landscapes of Southern California on your way to El Cajon. With services operating every 20 minutes, you'll have plenty of options to choose from for your travel.

Departure Point

Fifth Avenue Station

Arrival Point

El Cajon Station

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from San Diego to El Cajon, travelers can take a bus departing from Broadway & 5th Av and make a transfer at College Av & SDSU Transit Center. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes. 🚌 The bus service from San Diego to El Cajon is operated by San Diego Metro Transit. Passengers can expect to depart from Broadway & 5th Av station in San Diego and arrive at El Cajon Transit Center for their final destination. 🚌 Travelers can enjoy a convenient and cost-effective bus trip from San Diego to El Cajon, with ticket prices ranging from $2 to $10. The journey offers a smooth and efficient way to reach El Cajon from San Diego for both locals and visitors alike.

Departure Point

Broadway & 5th Av station

Arrival Point

El Cajon Transit Center station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to El Cajon.

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The distance between San Diego and El Cajon is 21 km by air, with a road distance of 24 km. By car, the typical travel time is approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, by bus, it takes around 1 hour and 56 minutes to travel from San Diego to El Cajon.

There are several transportation options available for traveling from San Diego to El Cajon. The most cost-effective option is to take the tram, which costs around $1-$3 and takes approximately 48 minutes. If time is of the essence, the quickest option would be to take a taxi, which takes around 16 minutes but costs between $50-$65.

The prices of a bus ticket between El Cajon and San Diego vary depending on various factors such as the bus company, the time of day, and whether it is peak travel season or not. On average, however, the prices range from $2 to $10.

To travel from San Diego to El Cajon without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 24 km, which takes around 16 minutes depending on traffic. This option provides flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. The cost of driving from San Diego to El Cajon by car can vary, but typically ranges from $2 to $4 for fuel.

To travel from San Diego to El Cajon without a car, the best option is to take the tram. It takes approximately 48 minutes to reach El Cajon from San Diego by tram. The cost of the tram ticket ranges from $1 to $3.

Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and El Cajon. The train departs from Fifth Avenue Station and arrives at El Cajon Station, with services operating every day and departing every 20 minutes. The journey by train takes approximately 48 minutes. Alternatively, there is no direct bus route between the two cities, but one can take a bus from Broadway & 5th Av to College Av & SDSU Transit Center, then transfer to another bus that goes to El Cajon Transit Center. This bus journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes.

There are numerous accommodation options available near El Cajon. With 658+ hotels to choose from, travelers can find a variety of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at $53 per night, providing different price ranges to choose from.

Yes, you can definitely travel from San Diego to El Cajon by bicycle.