1map logoGo to main page

San Clemente, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $10: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Clemente, United States of America
to
San Diego, United States of America

How to Get from San Clemente 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.

$10 by carBest price
90 kmDistance
1h 1m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Clemente 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
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
1h  29m
Estimated price
$2-70
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  1m
Estimated price
$10-16
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 90 km
Duration: 1h 1m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Tram
Average Duration
3h  33m
Estimated price
$9-22
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Clemente to San Diego

The journey from San Clemente to San Diego reveals a shift from the relaxed beach vibes of San Clemente to the vibrant urban energy of San Diego.

Best Neighborhoods in San Diego

San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods each with its own charm.

Little Italy
• Renowned for its authentic Italian restaurants.
• Vibrant farmers market every Saturday morning.
Gaslamp Quarter
• Bustling nightlife with numerous bars and clubs.
• Historic architecture mixed with modern entertainment.
La Jolla
• Scenic coastal views and beautiful beaches.
• Upscale shopping and fine dining options.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your San Diego experience significantly.

Balboa Park
Weekdays in the morning offer fewer crowds and serene strolls.
San Diego Zoo
Visit during weekdays or early mornings for a quieter experience.
USS Midway Museum
Early afternoons tend to have lower visitor numbers and shorter lines.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are pleasant, and outdoor activities become even more enjoyable.

Dining Recommendation

Try the fish tacos at Oscar's Mexican Seafood, where the fresh local catch combines with bold flavors and vibrant salsas, providing a lively alternative to San Clemente's more laid-back dining scene. The energetic atmosphere and commitment to local ingredients create a memorable experience that reflects San Diego’s diverse culinary landscape.

San Clemente - San Diego operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Clemente and San Diego, 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/routes.html

Train from San Clemente Pier Amtrak to San Diego

Average Duration
1h 29m
Estimated price
$2-70
Bus Show bus routes
Website
gonctd.com

Bus from Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 to UTC Transit Center

Average Duration
1h 53m
Estimated price
$23-25
Tram
Contact phone
+1 619-233-3004
Website
sdmts.com

Tram from UTC Station to Civic Center Station

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$23-24

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

Traveling between San Clemente 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.

🚗 The scenic drive from San Clemente to San Diego covers a distance of 59 miles, taking around 1 hour and 1 minute to reach your destination. 💰 Prices for the journey by car typically range from $10 to $16, offering a budget-friendly and convenient option for traveling between these two Southern California cities.
Average price
$10 - $16
🚂 The journey from San Clemente to San Diego by train is convenient and efficient, taking approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes. Services operate twice daily, offering a quick transportation option between these coastal cities. 🎫 With train ticket prices ranging from $2 to $70, travelers can choose an affordable way to enjoy the picturesque route, covering a distance of 62.6 miles to 77.9 miles. Whether for a day trip or a weekend getaway, the train offers a scenic and relaxing travel experience along the Southern California coast.
Departure Point
San Clemente Pier Amtrak station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the train operated by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, you can enjoy food and beverage services onboard. The Café Car offers a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks, including local California wines and craft beers. You can purchase items during your trip, but it's also a great idea to bring your own refreshments, especially if you prefer something specific or have dietary restrictions.
• The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers flexible seating options. For this route, you can choose from Coach Class, which has comfortable reclining seats and access to power outlets, or upgrade to Business Class for extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, and a quieter environment. Unfortunately, First Class seating isn't available on this route, but Business Class provides a more premium experience.
• Two main operators run this route: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner (website: (amtrak.com) and Metrolink (website: (metrolinktrains.com). For schedules, you can visit the Amtrak website or the Metrolink site depending on your preferred service. Additionally, don't forget to check out the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (website: (sdmts.com) for local transit options upon arrival.
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from San Clemente to San Diego by bus, covering a distance of 142 miles with 3 transfers. Start your adventure with a bus towards Long Beach, then continue on to Santa Ana and Anaheim before reaching your final destination in San Diego. 🛤️ Experience the convenience of a 5-hour and 46-minute bus ride through picturesque landscapes on Route 1. Make seamless transfers at designated stops as you travel towards Tijuana Central Bus Terminal, enjoying the comfort of Orange County Transportation Authority and Greyhound buses. 🌅 Alternatively, opt for Route 2 for a slightly shorter 5-hour and 26-minute trip covering 128 miles with 2 transfers. Relax on the bus towards Laguna Hills and Fullerton Park and Ride before catching a connecting bus to Tijuana Central Bus Terminal for your final leg to vibrant San Diego.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Clemente to San Diego.

Or choose the category:
The cheapest way to get from San Clemente to San Diego is by driving. The approximate cost of gas for this journey is around $10 to $16, depending on the type of vehicle and current gas prices. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 1 minute, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for travelers.
The fastest way to travel from San Clemente to San Diego is by car, which typically takes around 1 hour and 1 minute. The approximate cost for the journey is $10-$16, which includes fuel expenses. Other modes of transportation, such as public buses or trains, may also be available, but they could take longer than driving.
San Clemente is approximately 56 miles away from San Diego. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 59 miles. There are multiple routes you can take, including the I-5 South or the Pacific Coast Highway. It generally takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to drive from San Clemente to San Diego, depending on traffic conditions.
To travel from San Clemente to San Diego without a car, you can take the train. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes and costs between $2 to $70, depending on the type of ticket and class. You can catch the train at the San Clemente Pier Station and it will take you directly to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. From there, you can easily access other parts of the city using public transportation or walk to nearby attractions.
The train journey from San Clemente to San Diego takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes. This includes transfers and the train departs twice daily. The train ride provides a scenic and comfortable way to travel between the two cities while avoiding traffic. It is recommended to check the train schedule and plan accordingly for a smooth journey.
There are a wide variety of hotels available in San Diego to suit all budgets and preferences. Some popular options include the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, and the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at around $53 per night and can go up depending on the location and amenities. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
Yes, you can definitely drive from San Clemente to San Diego. The distance between the two cities is about 59 miles, and it usually takes around 1 hour and 1 minute to complete the journey. Keep in mind that the duration may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Trains from San Clemente to San Diego, operated by Amtrak, arrive at the San Diego station. The San Diego station is located downtown, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city. From the station, you can easily access popular attractions such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and the waterfront.
Yes, there is a direct train available between San Clemente and San Diego. The train departs from San Clemente Pier Amtrak and arrives in San Diego. The train service operates twice daily, every day. The journey by train usually takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes.
To catch the train from San Clemente to San Diego you will need to go to the San Clemente Pier Amtrak station. This is the departure point for the Amtrak train service that runs between the two cities. Be sure to check the train schedule in advance and arrive at the station with enough time to board the train. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, offering a convenient and scenic way to travel between the two cities.
The cost of a train ticket from San Clemente to San Diego ranges from $2 to $70, depending on the type of ticket and fare class selected. A one-way fare typically falls within the lower end of this price range, while round-trip or premium tickets may be at the higher end. It is recommended to check the specific train schedules and pricing on the Amtrak website or contact Amtrak directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on ticket prices.
The cost to drive from San Clemente to San Diego ranges from $10 to $16, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency. This cost includes the price of gasoline for the journey. It is important to note that tolls and parking fees, if applicable, are not included in this estimate.

Trips to San Diego