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San Diego, CA, USA to Santa Monica, CA, USA from $14: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States
to
Santa Monica, United States

How to Get from San Diego to Santa Monica: 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.

$14 by busBest price
191.5 kmDistance
2h 16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Santa Monica 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
3h  58m
Estimated price
$9-88
Recommended
Company
FlixBus, Metro Los Angeles
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  51m
Estimated price
$14-55
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 191.5 km
Duration: 2h 16m

See more options

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service, Metro Los Angeles
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
5h  12m
Estimated price
$14-55
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  16m
Estimated price
$24-35
Company
Various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
3h  25m
Estimated price
$62-316
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Diego to Santa Monica

The journey from San Diego to Santa Monica showcases a vibrant transition from San Diego's laid-back surf culture to Santa Monica's bustling beachside promenade and lively shopping scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Monica

Santa Monica features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Santa Monica
• Home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier.
• Vibrant shopping and dining options abound.
Ocean Park
• Quaint streets lined with beach cottages.
• Relaxed vibe with nearby local cafes.
Montana Avenue
• Upscale shops and boutiques throughout.
• Abundance of organic eateries and farmer's markets.

Best Times To Visit Santa Monica's Attractions

Strategizing your visit can enhance your experience in Santa Monica's highlights.

Santa Monica Pier
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning views.
Third Street Promenade
Weekdays are ideal to explore shops and enjoy street performances without the hustle.
Palisades Park
Sunset hours offer a serene atmosphere and breathtaking ocean vistas.

Santa Monica Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Monica enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and gentle winters, making it a year-round destination. Visiting in spring or fall often provides the most pleasant conditions, enhancing outdoor activities and beach visits.

Dining Recommendation

For a delightful contrast to San Diego's taco scene, try the seasonal fare at Tar & Roses, where wood-fired cooking takes center stage. The atmosphere buzzes with energy, and dishes like the roasted octopus with smoked potato showcase local ingredients in an inventive way that elevates your dining experience.

San Diego - Santa Monica operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Santa Monica, 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

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
3h 58m
Estimated price
$9-88
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
2h 55m
Estimated price
$12-55

Bus from San Diego to 5th / Santa Monica via Patsaouras Transit Plaza

Average Duration
4h 51m
Estimated price
$14-53
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Bus from Patsaouras Transit Plaza to 5th / Santa Monica

Average Duration
1h 46m
Estimated price
$2-2

Bus from Cesar E Chavez / Alameda to 5th / Santa Monica

Average Duration
1h 42m
Estimated price
$2-2
Contact phone
+1 310-451-5444
Website
https://bigbluebus.com

Bus from Aviation/LAX to 4Th Nb & Colorado Fs

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$1-2
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
all-pages.other Show other routes

Other from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$0-0

San Diego to Santa Monica: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Diego and Santa Monica 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 the vibrant city of Santa Monica, covering a distance of 215.7 km in just 2 hours and 16 minutes. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of prices ranging from $24 to $35 for your car journey, offering budget-friendly options for travelers seeking a diverse range of experiences along the way.
Average price
$24 - $35
🚂 Traveling by train from San Diego to Santa Monica involves a transfer at Union Station in Los Angeles. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes, including transfers. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride from San Diego to Santa Monica can range from $9 to $88, offering a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two Southern California cities.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train ride from San Diego to Santa Monica, Amtrak is the primary operator, offering a variety of onboard services. Families can enjoy the café car that sells snacks, light meals, and beverages. It's wise to check the menu beforehand to know what’s available, allowing you to budget accordingly. Visit Amtrak’s website for the menu: amtrak.com
• When booking your tickets, consider the seating options available. Amtrak offers Business Class, which features more spacious seats and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, as well as Economy Class. The seats in Business Class provide extra legroom and are a more comfortable choice for the longer journey. For more details on the seating upgrades, check the Amtrak website.
• Upon arriving in Santa Monica, expect the Santa Monica station to have limited amenities. There are no luggage storage facilities, but you can use restrooms. For local transportation from the station to the city center, the quickest way is to take the Big Blue Bus Line 1 or 3, which runs frequently. The bus stop is easily accessible from the station. For schedules, visit bigbluebus.com
🛫 Flying from San Diego to Santa Monica is a quick and convenient option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 2 minutes from San Diego Airport to Los Angeles Airport.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The journey from San Diego to Santa Monica by bus takes approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes with transfers involved. The services are operated by Flixbus USA and Metro Los Angeles. 🛣️ The route from San Diego to Santa Monica covers a distance of 263.9 km and involves one transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time is about 5 hours and 37 minutes. 💰 The prices for the bus ticket between Santa Monica and San Diego can vary between $14 to $53, offering an affordable and convenient travel option between the two cities.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
5th / Santa Monica station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Santa Monica.

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The distance between San Diego and Santa Monica is approximately 192 km by air. The fastest way to travel between these two cities is by taking a flight and then a line 3 bus, which typically takes around 3 hours and 25 minutes. If driving, the road distance is longer at 216 km and typically takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes by car. Alternatively, taking a bus can take around 4 hours and 51 minutes to reach Santa Monica from San Diego.
The most cost-effective way to travel from San Diego to Santa Monica is by taking a combination of buses, specifically the bus and line 33, which typically costs between $14 and $55 and takes about 4 hours and 51 minutes. However, for a more time-efficient option, driving is the fastest mode of transportation, taking around 2 hours and 16 minutes and costing between $24 and $35.
The prices for train tickets traveling between San Diego and Santa Monica range from $9 to $88, depending on the class and availability. If you opt for a bus instead, ticket prices for the journey fluctuate from $14 to $53, it is advisable to book in advance for the best rates.
To travel from San Diego to Santa Monica without using public transportation, you can drive the approximately 216 km distance, which takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes. The cost of this journey by car typically ranges from $24 to $35, depending on factors like fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
The best way to travel from San Diego to Santa Monica without a car is by taking a train, which typically takes around 3 hours and 58 minutes. This convenient mode of transportation offers various options and ticket prices ranging from $9 to $90.
There is no direct train or bus link between San Diego and Santa Monica. Travelers would need to make transfers at Union Station - Metro B & D Lines and 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines for the train, or Patsaouras Transit Plaza for the bus. The train journey takes approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes, while the bus journey takes approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes, including transfers.
The quickest flight from San Diego Airport to Los Angeles Airport takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes. The typical cost of this direct flight can range from $50 to $200 USD, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability.
Near Santa Monica there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from with over 3032 hotels available. Depending on your budget, prices for hotels in the area start at $98 per night.