San Diego, CA, USA to Long Beach, CA, USA from $7: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Diego to Long Beach: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.
$7 - Train, TramBest price
172 kmDistance
1h 51m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Long Beach 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 - Long Beach operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Long Beach, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from San Diego to Long Beach Downtown Transit Gallery
Average Duration
2h 10mEstimated price
$122-123Contact phone
+52 800 890 6821Website
greyhound.com.mx
Bus from San Diego to Long Beach Bus Station
Average Duration
3h 25mEstimated price
$16-40Contact phone
+1 714-560-6282Website
octa.net
Bus from Artic - Dock 5 to 7Th-Channel
Average Duration
1h 14mEstimated price
$526-526Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$127-128Train from Los Angeles to 1st Street Station
Average Duration
1h 4mEstimated price
$526-526Website
united.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 4mEstimated price
$124-125Website
delta.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 4mEstimated price
$126-190San Diego to Long Beach: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego and Long Beach 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 road trip from sunny San Diego to vibrant Long Beach, covering a distance of 107 miles. The journey promises stunning coastal views and smooth highways.
💰 Enjoy budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from $19 to $28 for the trip by car. Choose a convenient time to hit the road and explore the diverse attractions that both cities have to offer.
🌴 Arrive in Long Beach in just under 2 hours, ready to soak up the SoCal vibes and explore the bustling port city. From beaches to museums, this road trip offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Average price
$19 - $28
🚂 Riding the train from San Diego to Long Beach is a convenient way to travel, with a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes, including transfers. There's no direct train, but you'll transfer at Union Station along the Metro A-Line.
🏖️ Upon arrival at Long Beach's 1st Street Station, you'll be ready to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. Whether it's the beaches, attractions, or local cuisine, Long Beach is a fantastic destination worth the journey by train.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
1st Street Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services from operators like Amtrak and Metrolink feature complimentary snacks and beverages in Coach Class, while First Class passengers can enjoy a premium dining experience with a wider selection of meals and beverages available for purchase. Make sure to check the specific operator's website for details on catering services.
• Both Amtrak and Metrolink provide various seating options. Amtrak offers Business Class with extra legroom and quieter environments, while Coach Class features more economical seating. Metrolink primarily has standard Coach seating, which is comfortable for shorter trips. Always consider booking early to secure the best seat options.
• Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com) are the primary operators for this route. Check both websites for tickets, schedules, and updates. Upon arrival at Long Beach Transit Gallery, luggage storage is available at nearby facilities, and the station has clean restrooms but no shower services. To reach the city center, the fastest way is by taking Bus Line 51, which runs frequently from the Transit Gallery station directly to downtown Long Beach.
🛫 Embark on a quick and convenient journey from San Diego to Long Beach by taking a direct flight that lasts approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes. Both United Airlines and Delta provide flights for this route from San Diego Airport to Los Angeles Airport.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The journey from San Diego to Long Beach by bus takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes, with services departing three times a day and operating every day. Greyhound Mexico operates the San Diego to Long Beach bus route, with the bus arriving at Long Beach Bus Station.
🛣️ Route options from San Diego to Long Beach vary in duration, distance, and transfers. The prices for a bus ticket between Long Beach and San Diego can range from $12 to $52. Some routes may have transfers such as stopping at Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and other locations before reaching Long Beach.
🌴 Travelers can choose between different bus agencies like FlixBus and Orange County Transportation Authority for their journey. For a direct route, Greyhound offers a 3-hour and 22-minute trip covering a distance of 115 miles from San Diego to Long Beach.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Long Beach Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
To ensure you have the best fare for your trip from San Diego to Long Beach, check both Greyhound (greyhound.com) and FlixBus (flixbus.com) for prices and schedules; sometimes, prices can vary widely across providers.
On your bus trip, be aware that rest stops can vary, but you can typically expect a 15-30 minute break during the journey; use this time to stretch your legs and use the facilities to avoid discomfort during the ride.
Upon arriving at Long Beach Bus Station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area; there are several transportation options such as local buses and rideshare services available right outside the station, making it easy to reach your next destination (for local transport information, visit (octa.net).
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to Long Beach.
Or choose the category:
The distance between San Diego and Long Beach is approximately 151 km, with a road distance of 172 km. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By tram and bus, it takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes to reach Long Beach from San Diego. By car, the journey can be completed in 1 hour and 51 minutes, while by bus it takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes from San Diego to Long Beach.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Long Beach is to drive. It takes approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes to drive between the two cities and the cost is around $19 to $28 for fuel. Taking a tram and then bus combination takes 3 hours and 21 minutes, and while it may be cheaper, it is not as quick.
The prices of a bus ticket between Long Beach and San Diego can range from $12 to $55, depending on the operator and the type of service.
To travel from San Diego to Long Beach without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 172 km, and it takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes to drive from San Diego to Long Beach. The cost of driving varies, but it typically ranges from $19 to $28 in fuel expenses.
If you are looking to travel from San Diego to Long Beach without a car, the best way is to take a tram and bus combination. This journey takes approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes. The cost for this mode of transportation can range from $11 to $55.
Yes, there is a direct bus link between San Diego and Long Beach. The bus service is operated by Greyhound Mexico and the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. There are four departures per day, and the service operates every day. Other transportation options, such as trains, require transfers and take longer travel times, ranging from 4 to 6 hours.
The flight duration between San Diego and Long Beach typically takes around 1 hour and 3 minutes on a direct flight. However, as there are no direct flights between the two cities, travelers typically opt for alternative modes of transportation like driving or taking public transit. The cost of a flight between San Diego and Long Beach can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability, but it is generally in the range of around $100 to $250 round trip.
There are plenty of options for accommodations near Long Beach. With over 541 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to fit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in the area start at $54 per night, ensuring that there is something for every budget.