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San Diego, CA, USA to Los Angeles, CA, USA from $5: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States
to
Los Angeles, United States

How to Get from San Diego to Los Angeles: 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.

$5 by trainBest price
112 kmDistance
2h 3m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Los Angeles 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.

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
2h  56m
Estimated price
$5-85
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
2h  56m
Estimated price
$5-85
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 112 km
Duration: 2h 3m

See more options

Company
Greyhound Mexico
Bus
Average Duration
4h  5m
Estimated price
$13-55
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  3m
Estimated price
$22-35
Company
United Airlines, Delta
Plane
Average Duration
3h  36m
Estimated price
$61-315
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Diego to Los Angeles

The journey from San Diego to Los Angeles offers a striking contrast, with San Diego's laid-back beach vibes meeting Los Angeles' bustling urban energy.

Best Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a tapestry of diverse neighborhoods, each with its charm.

Santa Monica
• Beautiful beaches and iconic pier
• Vibrant shopping and dining scene
Hollywood
• Famous landmarks like the Walk of Fame
• Access to studios and celebrity sights
Downtown LA
• Cultural hotspots like museums and theaters
• Thriving food scene with diverse options

Best Times To Visit Los Angeles's Attractions

Strategizing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Los Angeles.

Griffith Observatory
Early mornings or late afternoons offer stunning views with fewer visitors.
The Getty Center
Weekdays, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, see much smaller crowds.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Visiting on weekdays during off-peak seasons avoids long lines and waits.

Los Angeles Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a year-round travel destination. Visiting during the spring or fall provides comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, enhancing your experience.

Dining Recommendation

In Los Angeles, try the Korean BBQ at Guelaguetza, where you can grill your own meats at the table, showcasing a vibrant culinary scene that differs from San Diego's emphasis on seafood and Mexican cuisine. The lively atmosphere, rich flavors, and use of traditional ingredients create a dining experience that immerses you in the city's diverse culture.

San Diego - Los Angeles operators

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

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$5-85
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+52 800 890 6821
Website
https://greyhound.com.mx

Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
4h 5m
Estimated price
$19-45
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
2h 55m
Estimated price
$13-55
Plane Show flights
Website
https://united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$180-380
Website
https://delta.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$190-320

San Diego to Los Angeles: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Diego and Los Angeles 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 San Diego to Los Angeles, covering a distance of 194.7 km in just over 2 hours. Witness the beauty of Southern California unfold as you cruise along the highways. 💰 Budget-friendly options abound for this journey, with car travel costs ranging from $22 to $35. 🏙️ Arrive in the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles, where endless possibilities await. From iconic landmarks to trendy neighborhoods, your road trip from San Diego promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Southern California.
Average price
$22 - $35
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from San Diego to Los Angeles, with services departing every two hours and a travel time of 2 hours and 56 minutes. 🌴 As you traverse the 204.4 km route, take in the breathtaking views during your relaxing ride towards Los Angeles on the Pacific Surfliner operated by Amtrak. 🌆 Arrive at your destination of Los Angeles feeling refreshed and ready to explore, having experienced an efficient and enjoyable rail journey with Amtrak. Whether it's for leisure or business, traveling by train offers a wonderful way to connect the sunny cities of San Diego and Los Angeles in just under 3 hours.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Take advantage of onboard catering services offered by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner. You can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals from the Café Car, which features local California wines and fresh sandwiches. Make sure to check the menu ahead of time for any seasonal offerings!
• When booking your Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train, consider selecting from their seating options: Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class offers comfortable seating with ample legroom, while Business Class includes reserved seating with wider seats and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. First Class is not currently available on this route, so plan accordingly for your travel needs.
• If you are considering multiple operators for your trip, be aware that the primary service is provided by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (amtrak.com). You can compare this option with Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com) for specific schedules that might also connect to your travel plans, especially for Los Angeles area connectivity.
🛫 The quickest flight from San Diego Airport to Los Angeles Airport is a direct flight that takes just 1 hour and 2 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers. 💸 The prices for flights between Los Angeles and San Diego can vary between $61 and $315, making it possible for travelers to find a ticket that fits their budget for this relatively short flight.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The journey from San Diego to Los Angeles by bus takes approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes with services departing every four hours, operating daily. 🛣️ Route options vary in distance and time, with one route taking 3 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 231.7 km between the two cities, operated by Greyhound Mexico. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus between Los Angeles and San Diego range from $13 to $55, offering travelers affordable and convenient transportation options along the California coast.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Union Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Los Angeles.

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The distance between San Diego and Los Angeles is 180.2 km by road. It takes approximately 2 hours 3 minutes to drive from Los Angeles to San Diego. If you prefer public transportation, it takes 2 hours 56 minutes by train and 2 hours 55 minutes by bus to travel between the two cities. For a combination of fly and tram, the travel time is 3 hours 30 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles is by train, with prices ranging from $5 to $85. This mode of transportation takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes, offering a relatively efficient travel time. However, the quickest way to reach Los Angeles is by car, taking around 2 hours and 3 minutes. Although this option may be slightly more expensive, with costs ranging from $22 to $35, it provides a shorter travel time.
When traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles, the prices for a train ticket can range from $5 to $85 depending on factors such as time of travel and class of service. Alternatively, taking a bus from Los Angeles to San Diego can cost anywhere from $15 to $40 depending on the bus company and type of service.
To get from San Diego to Los Angeles without using public transportation, you can drive the 194.7 km distance, which takes approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes. The cost of the journey by car varies between $22 and $35, depending on factors such as fuel consumption and toll fees.
To travel from San Diego to Los Angeles without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey typically takes around 2 hours and 55 minutes, with fares ranging from $15 to $40.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Diego and Los Angeles. You can take a direct train operated by Amtrak which departs from San Diego and arrives in Los Angeles. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 56 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus operated by FlixBus USA, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes.
The flight between San Diego and Los Angeles typically takes around 1 hour and 3 minutes. This is the quickest option available. As for the cost, it can vary depending on factors such as the airline, season, and availability. On average, a one-way flight between the two cities can range from $50 to $150, but it's always a good idea to check with different airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Los Angeles. With over 1604 hotels to choose from, you can easily find something that suits your budget and preferences. Prices start at $87 per night, offering a wide range of choices for travelers.

Trips to Los Angeles