San Diego, CA, USA to El Centro, CA, USA from $20: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Diego to El Centro: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$20 - OtherBest price

184 kmDistance

1h 53m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to El Centro 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.

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Traveling From San Diego to El Centro

The journey from San Diego's vibrant coastal culture to El Centro's unique desert landscape offers a fascinating contrast in experiences, showcasing urban charm and natural beauty.

Best Neighbourhoods in El Centro

El Centro boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its distinct character.

Downtown El Centro

• Thriving with local shops and eateries.

• Hosts annual cultural events and festivals.

Imperial Valley Mall area

• Offers diverse shopping and dining options.

• Family-friendly atmosphere with entertainment spots.

La Brucherie

• Known for its scenic parks and outdoor spaces.

• Close-knit community feel with welcoming locals.

Best Times To Visit El Centro's Attractions

Plan your visits to El Centro’s highlights for a rewarding experience.

Imperial Valley Expo

Visit during weekday mornings to enjoy events with fewer crowds.

El Centro Historical Museum

Perfect for a weekend visit, early afternoons provide a relaxed atmosphere.

Ross Park

Early mornings or late afternoons allow for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

El Centro Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

El Centro enjoys a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it a sunny destination year-round. Late fall and early spring are ideal for visiting, as pleasant temperatures enhance outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation in El Centro

For a distinctive culinary experience, try the carne asada fries at El Centro's popular eatery, La Fonda. This dish features flavorful, locally-sourced ingredients that highlight the bold flavors of the region, offering a delicious contrast to San Diego's seafood-centric dining scene.

San Diego - El Centro operators

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

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+52 664 104 7400

Website

abc.com.mx

Bus from Tijuana to Mexicali

Average Duration

2h 25m

Estimated price

$19-40

Bus from San Diego to El Centro

Average Duration

5h 42m

Estimated price

$25-100

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

Traveling between San Diego and El Centro 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.

🚗 Experience a scenic drive from San Diego to El Centro, covering a distance of 114 miles. Enjoy the open road and picturesque landscapes along the way. 💰 The cost of traveling by car from San Diego to El Centro can range from $20 to $30, providing an affordable and convenient transportation option for this journey.

Average price

$20 - $30

🛂 The journey from San Diego to El Centro by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes, providing a scenic route through Southern California and across the border into Mexico. 💸 Fares for the bus service between El Centro and San Diego range from $25 to $100, offering an affordable and convenient transportation option for those looking to explore the region.

Departure Point

Tijuana station

Arrival Point

Mexicali station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• When traveling from San Diego to El Centro, be prepared to make transfers at the Tijuana station and Mexicali station; try to book your tickets in advance with operators like ABC or Tufesa, both of which operate on this route. Visit the ABC website at ABC and Tufesa at Tufesa for schedules and booking.

• Plan for a longer travel time due to potential wait times at border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico; ensure you have your passport and any necessary travel documents readily accessible to expedite the process.

• Upon arriving at the El Centro bus stop, familiarize yourself with the area by checking local dining options ahead of time; a popular spot nearby is 'La Gran Plaza' where you can grab a bite or take a break before continuing your journey. For local transport schedules in El Centro, you can check the Imperial Valley Transit website at IVT for bus options.

Frequently asked questions

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The distance between San Diego and El Centro is approximately 94 miles or 114 miles by road. Traveling by car usually takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes. On the other hand, if you choose to take the bus, it typically takes about 5 hours and 47 minutes to travel from San Diego to El Centro.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to El Centro is to drive. It takes approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes by car, and the cost is around $20-$30 for the fuel. Driving allows for more flexibility in terms of departure and arrival times. Other modes of transportation, such as taking the bus, can be more time-consuming, with a travel time of around 5 hours and 47 minutes.

The prices of a bus ticket from El Centro to San Diego can vary depending on factors such as the date and time of travel, as well as the type of bus and amenities offered. On average, bus fares range from $24 to $95. It is advisable to check with different bus companies or online travel platforms to get the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information for this route.

To get from San Diego to El Centro without using public transportation, you can drive your own car or rent a car for the journey. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 114 miles, which takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. If you choose to drive, you can expect to pay around $20 to $30 in fuel costs depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

One of the best options to travel from San Diego to El Centro without a car is by taking a bus. The journey usually takes approximately 5 hours and 47 minutes and the cost can range from $24 to $95. Buses are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation for this route.

There is no direct link between San Diego and El Centro by bus. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey starts from San Diego and goes through Tijuana, Central de Autobuses de Mexicali, and Calexico Bus Station before reaching El Centro. The total travel time, including transfers, takes approximately 5 hours and 47 minutes. The buses are operated by ABC and depart from Tijuana station and arrive at Mexicali station.

There are plenty of accommodation options near El Centro. With over 78 hotels available, visitors have a wide range to choose from. Prices start at $46, providing options for different budgets. Some popular hotel chains in the area include Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability.