San Diego, CA, USA to El Centro, CA, USA from $20: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Diego to El Centro: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$20 - OtherBest price
184 kmDistance
1h 53m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to El Centro 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.
San Diego - El Centro operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and El Centro, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+52 664 104 7400Website
abc.com.mx
Bus from Tijuana to Mexicali
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$19-40Bus from San Diego to El Centro
Average Duration
5h 42mEstimated price
$25-100San Diego to El Centro: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego and El Centro 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.
🚗 Experience a scenic drive from San Diego to El Centro, covering a distance of 114 miles. Enjoy the open road and picturesque landscapes along the way.
💰 The cost of traveling by car from San Diego to El Centro can range from $20 to $30, providing an affordable and convenient transportation option for this journey.
Average price
$20 - $30
🛂 The journey from San Diego to El Centro by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes, providing a scenic route through Southern California and across the border into Mexico.
💸 Fares for the bus service between El Centro and San Diego range from $25 to $100, offering an affordable and convenient transportation option for those looking to explore the region.
Departure Point
Tijuana station
Arrival Point
Mexicali station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When traveling from San Diego to El Centro, be prepared to make transfers at the Tijuana station and Mexicali station; try to book your tickets in advance with operators like ABC or Tufesa, both of which operate on this route. Visit the ABC website at ABC and Tufesa at Tufesa for schedules and booking.
• Plan for a longer travel time due to potential wait times at border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico; ensure you have your passport and any necessary travel documents readily accessible to expedite the process.
• Upon arriving at the El Centro bus stop, familiarize yourself with the area by checking local dining options ahead of time; a popular spot nearby is 'La Gran Plaza' where you can grab a bite or take a break before continuing your journey. For local transport schedules in El Centro, you can check the Imperial Valley Transit website at IVT for bus options.
Frequently asked questions
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The distance between San Diego and El Centro is approximately 151.3 km by air, and the road distance is 183.8 km. By car, it typically takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes to travel from San Diego to El Centro. For those who prefer taking a bus, the travel time is usually around 5 hours and 47 minutes for the journey from El Centro to San Diego.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to El Centro is by car. The road distance between the two cities is 183.8 km, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes to drive. The cost of driving is estimated to be between $20 and $30 in fuel expenses. Taking a bus is a cheaper alternative, but it is not as time-efficient, with a travel time of 5 hours and 47 minutes.
The prices for a bus ticket between El Centro and San Diego range from $24 to $95, depending on the type of service and the time of booking.
To travel from San Diego to El Centro without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is 183.5 km, and it takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes to reach El Centro by car. By driving, you have the flexibility to plan your own schedule and enjoy the scenic route along the way. The estimated cost for the trip can range from $20 to $30 depending on factors like fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from San Diego to El Centro without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 5 hours and 47 minutes and the cost typically ranges from $24 to $95.
Yes, there is a link between San Diego and El Centro however, there is no direct bus service available. To travel from San Diego to El Centro by bus, you would need to make transfers at Tijuana, Central de Autobuses de Mexicali, and Calexico Bus Station, with a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 47 minutes. The bus services are operated by ABC.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near El Centro with over 78 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $46 per night, providing a range of options to fit different budgets and preferences. Some popular hotels in El Centro include the Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Comfort Inn & Suites, offering comfortable stays for travelers visiting the area.