1map logoGo to main page

Palm Desert, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $20: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Palm Desert, United States of America
to
San Diego, United States of America

How to Get from Palm Desert to San Diego: 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.

$20 - Bus, TrainBest price
196 kmDistance
2h 25m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Palm Desert to San Diego 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
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
6h  13m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
10h  25m
Estimated price
$20-75
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 196 km
Duration: 2h 25m

See more options

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
6h  42m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  25m
Estimated price
$22-35
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Palm Desert to San Diego

The journey from Palm Desert to San Diego offers a transition from the tranquil desert landscapes to vibrant coastal vibes and bustling urban life.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods each offering distinct experiences and attractions.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs
• Historic architecture blending with modern shops
La Jolla
• Stunning coastal views and upscale dining options
• Great for outdoor activities like kayaking and snorkeling
Little Italy
• Renowned for its authentic Italian restaurants
• Hosts lively farmers' market every Saturday

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visits to San Diego's attractions can elevate your experience significantly.

Balboa Park
Weekdays in the early morning offer a peaceful atmosphere and fewer visitors.
San Diego Zoo
Visiting during weekdays, especially in the off-season, results in shorter lines.
USS Midway Museum
Mornings right as it opens provide a quieter, more immersive experience.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, making it a year-round destination. Spring and fall often provide the best weather for outdoor activities, while summer can bring larger crowds due to school vacations.

Dining Recommendation in San Diego

Try the fish tacos at Oscar's Mexican Seafood, where the vibrant flavors from fresh local ingredients create a contrast to the more land-focused cuisine found in Palm Desert. The casual beachside atmosphere and the lively buzz of the restaurant enhance your dining experience, showcasing San Diego’s coastal culinary identity.

Palm Desert - San Diego operators

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

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

Train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 23m
Estimated price
$4-80
Website
https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from San Bernardino - Downtown station to Oceanside station

Average Duration
2h 24m
Estimated price
$202-207
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop to Fullerton Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://flixbus.com

Bus from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center to San Diego

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$751-203
Contact phone
+1 760-343-3451
Website
https://sunline.org

Bus from Hwy 111 & Golf Center Pkwy to San Bernardino Transit Center

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$752-752
Website
https://gonctd.com

Bus from Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 to UTC Transit Center

Average Duration
1h 53m
Estimated price
$752-753

Palm Desert to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Palm Desert and San Diego 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 picturesque road trip from Palm Desert to San Diego, spanning 122 miles of stunning California scenery. Enjoy a leisurely drive that typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes, promising a smooth journey ahead. 💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options, with car journey prices ranging from $22 to $35 for the trip between Palm Desert and San Diego. Explore the flexibility of road travel as you plan your excursion to the vibrant city by the sea.
Average price
$22 - $35
🚌 Traveling from Palm Desert to San Diego by bus takes approximately 6 hours and 42 minutes. The route covers a distance of 198 miles and involves a transfer along the way. 🚍 Route option 1 includes a transfer in Fullerton on an Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service bus, taking about 2 hours and 50 minutes. The second bus journey towards Tijuana lasts around 1 hour and 55 minutes, eventually arriving at the San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop. 🚌 If you choose route 2, expect a total travel time of 5 hours and 17 minutes with 2 transfers. The first leg includes a 48-minute bus ride on the Route 1 East Valley by SunLine Transit Agency, followed by transfers to Los Angeles Union Station and ultimately Tijuana before reaching San Diego.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Palm Desert to San Diego.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Palm Desert and San Diego is approximately 84 miles. The road distance is slightly longer at 122 miles. If traveling by bus and train, it typically takes around 6 hours and 13 minutes to reach San Diego from Palm Desert. Alternatively, if driving by car, it generally takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to travel from San Diego to Palm Desert. Taking a bus is the slowest option, with an average travel time of 8 hours and 16 minutes from Palm Desert to San Diego.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Palm Desert to San Diego is by car. It takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to drive the distance of 122 miles between the two cities. This option is both quick and affordable, with estimated costs ranging from $22 to $35. Taking a bus or using a combination of bus and train may be cheaper but would take significantly longer, with travel times ranging from 6 hours and 13 minutes to 8 hours and 16 minutes.
The prices for a bus ticket between San Diego and Palm Desert range from $14 to $55. These prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of booking, the bus company, and the class of service. It is recommended to check with different bus operators or online booking platforms to find the best available price for your travel dates.
To get from Palm Desert to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 122 miles, and it takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to drive. Depending on factors such as fuel efficiency and current gas prices, the cost of driving from Palm Desert to San Diego can vary between $22 and $35.
To travel from Palm Desert to San Diego without a car, the best option is to take a combination of bus and train. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 13 minutes. Unfortunately, there are no direct routes available, so you will have to transfer between the bus and train. The cost of the trip may vary, so it is recommended to check with the transportation providers for the most up-to-date prices.
Yes, there is a connection between Palm Desert and San Diego, but it requires a transfer. The bus service operated by Amtrak departs from Palm Desert Amtrak Bus Stop and arrives at San Diego Santa Fe Depot via Fullerton Amtrak Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes. So while it is not a direct link, it is still possible to travel between the two cities by using the Amtrak bus service.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Diego with over 1163 hotels available. Prices start at $53 per night, offering a range of budgets to choose from. Some popular areas to stay in include downtown San Diego and Mission Bay, which offer a variety of hotels, resorts, and beachfront properties. With such a wide selection, travelers are sure to find a place that suits their preferences and budget when visiting San Diego.

Trips to San Diego