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San Diego, CA, USA to Costa Mesa, CA, USA from $16: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States of America
to
Costa Mesa, United States of America

How to Get from San Diego to Costa Mesa: 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.

$16 by carBest price
143 kmDistance
1h 30m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Costa Mesa 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  9m
Estimated price
$39-121
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  30m
Estimated price
$16-24
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 143 km
Duration: 1h 30m

See more options

Company
FlixBus 2017 / OCTA
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  36m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  45m
Estimated price
$0-0
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Traveling From San Diego to Costa Mesa

Traveling from San Diego to Costa Mesa offers a shift from laid-back beach vibes to a vibrant urban scene filled with shopping, arts, and diverse dining options.

Best Neighbourhoods in Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences.

South Coast Metro
• Home to South Coast Plaza, a premier shopping destination.
• Features a thriving arts scene with galleries and theaters.
Fairview Park
• Expansive green space perfect for outdoor activities.
• Offers scenic trails for walking, jogging, and biking.
The Camp
• Known for eco-friendly shops and eateries.
• Features unique boutique stores in a relaxed atmosphere.

Best Times To Visit Costa Mesa's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Costa Mesa by visiting at the right times.

South Coast Plaza
Weekdays during the morning or early afternoon offer fewer crowds, making shopping more enjoyable.
Mesa Arts District
Visit on Thursdays for gallery openings and less crowded events.
Fairview Park
Early mornings during weekdays provide a tranquil atmosphere for outdoor activities.

Costa Mesa Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

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

Dining Recommendation

Try the Korean BBQ at Chosun Galbi in Costa Mesa, where the lively atmosphere and hands-on grilling experience set it apart from the fresh seafood scene in San Diego. The bold flavors and use of local ingredients provide a taste of the diverse culinary culture that thrives in this vibrant city.

San Diego - Costa Mesa operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Costa Mesa, 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 Santa Ana

Average Duration
1h 58m
Estimated price
$3-80

Train from San Diego to Santa Ana

Average Duration
2h 9m
Estimated price
$39-121
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$1211-395

Bus from San Diego to Harbor-19Th

Average Duration
3h 36m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1 714-560-6282
Website
http://www.octa.net

Bus from Harbor-Katella to Harbor-19Th

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$0-1212

Bus from Flower-6Th to 19Th-Harbor

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$0-1212

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

Traveling between San Diego and Costa Mesa 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 journey from San Diego to Costa Mesa, covering a distance of 89 miles, which can be completed in just around 1 hour and 30 minutes. ⛽ The cost of this road trip ranges from $16 to $24, offering a budget-friendly option to explore the diverse landscapes and attractions along the way.
Average price
$16 - $24
🚂 Hop on a train in San Diego and enjoy a scenic 2-hour journey to Costa Mesa. With a travel time of just 2 hours and 9 minutes, the ride offers a comfortable and convenient way to reach your destination. 💰 Ticket prices for the train between San Diego and Costa Mesa range from $39 to $121, providing options for different budget preferences. Whether you opt for a more affordable fare or indulge in a higher class ticket, the train ride offers a reliable and stress-free travel experience.
🚌 Starting from San Diego you'll embark on a 3-hour and 36-minute bus journey to reach Costa Mesa. 🌴 The route involves transfers at Artic - Dock 5 and Harbor-Katella before arriving at Harbor-19Th station. 🚏 Flixbus USA operates the bus service departing from San Diego and OCTA operates the service arriving at Costa Mesa. 🛣️ The total distance covered on this bus trip is approximately 104 miles from San Diego to Costa Mesa. 🕒 The first step involves taking a Greyhound bus towards Los Angeles, which takes about 2 hours. 🚌 The second step includes boarding an Orange County Transportation Authority bus towards Newport Beach - Hoag Hospital for a 23-minute ride. 🎫 If you need further assistance or information on the bus schedule and routes for your trip between San Diego and Costa Mesa, feel free to contact Greyhound at 1-800-231-2222 or visit their website. 🚌 For details on the Orange County Transportation Authority service, you can reach them at 1-714-636-7433 or explore their official website.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Harbor-19Th station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Costa Mesa.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Diego and Costa Mesa is approximately 78 miles with a road distance of 89.1 miles. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: By train, it takes about 2 hours and 9 minutes to reach Costa Mesa from San Diego. By car, it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach San Diego from Costa Mesa. Lastly, by bus, it takes approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes to reach Costa Mesa from San Diego.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Costa Mesa is to drive. The road distance is 89.1 miles, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Costa Mesa by car. Driving also offers the flexibility to stop along the way and explore other attractions or scenic spots. Taking the train or bus may be cheaper, but it takes longer, with travel times of 2 hours and 9 minutes by train and 3 hours and 46 minutes by bus.
The prices for a train ticket between San Diego and Costa Mesa can range from $39 to $121, depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of booking. It is advisable to make early reservations and check with the train operator for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. By comparing these prices, travelers can choose the option that best suits their budget and travel preferences.
To travel from San Diego to Costa Mesa without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 89 miles, and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from San Diego to Costa Mesa. The cost of driving can vary, with prices ranging from $16 to $24 depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.
To travel from San Diego to Costa Mesa without a car, the best option is to take the train. The train journey takes approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes. Ticket prices for this route range from $35 to $130. This is a convenient and hassle-free way to reach your destination without the need for a car.
Yes, there is a transport link between San Diego and Costa Mesa. However, there is no direct bus route. The journey involves taking a bus from San Diego to Harbor-19Th, then transferring to another bus to reach Costa Mesa. The total travel time for this route is approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Costa Mesa. With over 718 hotels available, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices start at $69, providing affordable lodging options for travelers. Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel, a budget-friendly motel, or a cozy bed and breakfast, you'll be able to find a suitable place to stay near Costa Mesa.

Trips from San Diego