San Diego, CA, USA to Malibu, CA, USA from $16:ย 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Diego to Malibu: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$16 by busBest price
236 kmDistance
2h 34m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Malibu 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 - Malibu operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Malibu, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
110-111Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
16-111Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com
Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Downtown
Average Duration
2h 55mEstimated price
903-55Bus from San Diego to Malibu
Average Duration
6h 5mEstimated price
16-60Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876Website
https://www.metro.net/
Bus from Patsaouras Transit Plaza to 5th / Santa Monica
Average Duration
1h 46mEstimated price
904-904Bus from Cesar E Chavez / Alameda to 5th / Santa Monica
Average Duration
1h 42mEstimated price
904-904Bus from 5th / Colorado to Civic Center / Stuart Ranch
Average Duration
37mEstimated price
904-904Website
https://www.united.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 4mEstimated price
112-113Website
https://www.delta.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 4mEstimated price
114-115Other from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
5h 7mEstimated price
11-90San Diego to Malibu: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego and Malibu offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, youโre sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
๐ Hit the road and embark on a picturesque journey from sunny San Diego to the coastal beauty of Malibu, covering a distance of 147 miles.
โฑ๏ธ After about 2 hours and 34 minutes of driving, you'll arrive in Malibu, where prices for the trip can range from $26 to $40. Get ready to unwind on the sandy beaches and immerse yourself in the laid-back luxury of this coastal gem.
Average price
$26 - $40
๐ Embark on a scenic train journey from San Diego to Malibu, with a travel time of approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
๐ฐ Ticket prices for the train ride between San Diego and Malibu range from $11 to $90, offering budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore the California coast without breaking the bank.
๐ซ Prepare for a quick flight from San Diego Airport to Los Angeles Airport, with a direct route taking just 1 hour and 2 minutes. Choose from flights offered by United Airlines and Delta for a seamless journey.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
๐ Although there is no direct bus route from San Diego to Malibu, travelers can take a bus service operated by Flixbus USA with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 5 minutes, including transfers. Departing from San Diego station and arriving at Civic Center / Stuart Ranch.
๐ด Route 1 takes 7 hours and 28 minutes to reach Malibu from San Diego, covering a distance of 184 miles with 3 transfers including stops at Tijuana, Los Angeles Union Station, and Broadway / Ocean before reaching Trancas Canyon / Pacific Coast Hwy.
๐ Route 2 offers a faster option at 6 hours and 6 minutes, spanning 170 miles with 2 transfers via Los Angeles Downtown and Broadway / Ocean before ending at Trancas Canyon / Pacific Coast Hwy in Malibu. Greyhound and LACMTA are the main operators for this journey.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
5th / Santa Monica station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to Malibu.
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The cheapest way to travel from San Diego to Malibu is to take a train. Depending on the type of train and seating you choose, the price can range from $11 to $90. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes, but offers scenic views along the California coast.
The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Malibu is by driving. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
It is approximately 206 km from San Diego to Malibu. If you choose to drive, the distance is around 236 km. The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
To travel from San Diego to Malibu without a car, the most convenient option is to take the train. Amtrak offers a route that takes approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $11 to $90, depending on the class and availability.
The travel time from San Diego to Malibu is approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes, including transfers.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Malibu. With over 139 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something that suits their preferences and budget. Prices start at $69 per night, and options range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly motels. Visitors can choose to stay directly in Malibu or explore nearby towns such as Santa Monica or Calabasas for additional lodging choices.
Yes, you can drive from San Diego to Malibu. The driving distance between the two cities is 237 km. It typically takes around 2 hours and 34 minutes to drive from San Diego to Malibu, depending on traffic conditions.
No, there is no direct bus between San Diego and Malibu. However, you can take a bus from San Diego to Malibu with transfers. The journey involves departing from San Diego, transferring at Patsaouras Transit Plaza, and finally arriving at Civic Center/Stuart Ranch. The total travel time is approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.
You can catch the San Diego to Malibu bus from the San Diego station. Greyhound Mexico operates bus services between these two destinations, and their departure point is the San Diego station.
The San Diego to Malibu bus services operated by Metro Los Angeles arrive at the 5th / Santa Monica station. This station is conveniently located in downtown Santa Monica, close to popular attractions like the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.
Delta and United Airlines are the primary airlines that operate flights between San Diego and Malibu. Both airlines offer flights from San Diego International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, which is the closest major airport to Malibu.
The fastest way to travel from San Diego to Malibu is by taking a direct flight from San Diego Airport to Los Angeles Airport. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. Delta and United Airlines both offer flights on this route, providing convenience and efficiency for travelers looking to reach Malibu quickly.
The flight from San Diego to Malibu takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two locations. San Diego has a well-connected airport with multiple daily flights to Los Angeles Airport, which is the closest major airport to Malibu.
The cost of a train ticket from San Diego to Malibu ranges from $11 to $90, depending on factors such as the type of ticket, time of travel, and availability.
The cost of a bus from San Diego to Malibu ranges from $18 to $60, depending on the specific bus provider and the type of ticket purchased.
The cost of driving from San Diego to Malibu typically ranges from $26 to $40. This estimate includes the cost of fuel for the approximately 160-mile journey.