1map logoGo to main page

San Diego, CA, USA to Long Beach, CA, USA from $7: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States of America
to
Long Beach, United States of America

How to Get from San Diego to Long Beach: 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.

$7 - Train, TramBest price
172 kmDistance
1h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Long Beach 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
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
3h  17m
Estimated price
$12-52
Recommended
Company
Pacific Surfliner, Metro A Line
Train
Tram
Average Duration
4h  6m
Estimated price
$7-86
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 172 km
Duration: 1h 51m

See more options

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service, OCTA
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  46m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Tijuana
Bus
Average Duration
3h  25m
Estimated price
$16-40
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
1h  51m
Estimated price
$19-28
Company
Various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
4h  12m
Estimated price
$65-120
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Diego to Long Beach

The journey from San Diego to Long Beach offers a striking contrast, with San Diego's laid-back coastal vibes and vibrant nightlife juxtaposed against Long Beach's bustling urban scene and eclectic arts culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Long Beach

Long Beach boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct experience.

Downtown Long Beach
• Home to trendy dining and shopping options.
• Features a waterfront promenade for stunning views.
Belmont Shore
• Known for its charming beachside atmosphere.
• Offers vibrant boutiques and lively nightlife.
Naples Island
• Picturesque canals provide a serene escape.
• Great for leisurely walks and kayaking adventures.

Best Times To Visit Long Beach's Attractions

Timing your visits to Long Beach attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

The Aquarium of the Pacific
Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds and better views.
Queen Mary
Visit during the late afternoon for a quieter tour experience.
Shoreline Village
Weekdays offer a more relaxed atmosphere to explore shops.

Long Beach Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a great destination year-round. The pleasant weather generally enhances outdoor activities, but visiting in spring or early fall can provide those ideal temperatures while avoiding peak tourist crowds.

Dining Recommendation in Long Beach

A visit to Long Beach isn't complete without trying the seafood paella at The Attic, an iconic spot that blends Southern California flavors with a touch of Spanish flair. This dining experience contrasts with the fresh fish tacos found in San Diego, offering a cozy, farmhouse atmosphere and vibrant spices that reflect the area’s culinary diversity.

San Diego - Long Beach operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Long Beach Downtown Transit Gallery

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$122-123
Contact phone
+52 800 890 6821
Website
greyhound.com.mx

Bus from San Diego to Long Beach Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$16-40
Contact phone
+1 714-560-6282
Website
octa.net

Bus from Artic - Dock 5 to 7Th-Channel

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$526-526
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$127-128

Train from Los Angeles to 1st Street Station

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$526-526
Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$124-125
Website
delta.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$126-190

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

Traveling between San Diego and Long Beach 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 vibrant Long Beach, covering a distance of 107 miles. The journey promises stunning coastal views and smooth highways. 💰 Enjoy budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from $19 to $28 for the trip by car. Choose a convenient time to hit the road and explore the diverse attractions that both cities have to offer. 🌴 Arrive in Long Beach in just under 2 hours, ready to soak up the SoCal vibes and explore the bustling port city. From beaches to museums, this road trip offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Average price
$19 - $28
🚂 Riding the train from San Diego to Long Beach is a convenient way to travel, with a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes, including transfers. There's no direct train, but you'll transfer at Union Station along the Metro A-Line. 🏖️ Upon arrival at Long Beach's 1st Street Station, you'll be ready to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. Whether it's the beaches, attractions, or local cuisine, Long Beach is a fantastic destination worth the journey by train.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
1st Street Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services from operators like Amtrak and Metrolink feature complimentary snacks and beverages in Coach Class, while First Class passengers can enjoy a premium dining experience with a wider selection of meals and beverages available for purchase. Make sure to check the specific operator's website for details on catering services.
• Both Amtrak and Metrolink provide various seating options. Amtrak offers Business Class with extra legroom and quieter environments, while Coach Class features more economical seating. Metrolink primarily has standard Coach seating, which is comfortable for shorter trips. Always consider booking early to secure the best seat options.
• Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Metrolink (metrolinktrains.com) are the primary operators for this route. Check both websites for tickets, schedules, and updates. Upon arrival at Long Beach Transit Gallery, luggage storage is available at nearby facilities, and the station has clean restrooms but no shower services. To reach the city center, the fastest way is by taking Bus Line 51, which runs frequently from the Transit Gallery station directly to downtown Long Beach.
🛫 Embark on a quick and convenient journey from San Diego to Long Beach by taking a direct flight that lasts approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes. Both United Airlines and Delta provide flights for this route from San Diego Airport to Los Angeles Airport.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The journey from San Diego to Long Beach by bus takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes, with services departing three times a day and operating every day. Greyhound Mexico operates the San Diego to Long Beach bus route, with the bus arriving at Long Beach Bus Station. 🛣️ Route options from San Diego to Long Beach vary in duration, distance, and transfers. The prices for a bus ticket between Long Beach and San Diego can range from $12 to $52. Some routes may have transfers such as stopping at Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and other locations before reaching Long Beach. 🌴 Travelers can choose between different bus agencies like FlixBus and Orange County Transportation Authority for their journey. For a direct route, Greyhound offers a 3-hour and 22-minute trip covering a distance of 115 miles from San Diego to Long Beach.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Long Beach Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
To ensure you have the best fare for your trip from San Diego to Long Beach, check both Greyhound (greyhound.com) and FlixBus (flixbus.com) for prices and schedules; sometimes, prices can vary widely across providers.
On your bus trip, be aware that rest stops can vary, but you can typically expect a 15-30 minute break during the journey; use this time to stretch your legs and use the facilities to avoid discomfort during the ride.
Upon arriving at Long Beach Bus Station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area; there are several transportation options such as local buses and rideshare services available right outside the station, making it easy to reach your next destination (for local transport information, visit (octa.net).

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Long Beach.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Diego and Long Beach is approximately 94 miles by road. By car, it typically takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes to travel from Long Beach to San Diego. However, if you prefer public transportation, it would take approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes by bus from San Diego to Long Beach. Another option is to take the tram and bus combination, which takes around 3 hours and 21 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Long Beach is driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes to drive between the two cities, making it the quickest way to reach your destination. The cost of driving is also relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $19 to $28 for the entire trip.
When traveling from San Diego to Long Beach the prices for a bus ticket can range from $12 to $55. The exact price may vary depending on factors such as the time of booking, the day of travel, and the bus company chosen. It is recommended to compare prices from different bus companies and book in advance to secure the best deal for the journey.
To get from San Diego to Long Beach without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 107 miles, and it takes around 1 hour and 51 minutes to drive from San Diego to Long Beach. The estimated prices for this journey by car range from $19 to $28.
To travel from San Diego to Long Beach without a car, you can take the tram and bus route, which takes approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes. This option is convenient and cost-effective, with ticket prices ranging from $11 to $55. The tram and bus combination allows you to enjoy a scenic journey while avoiding the hassle of driving and parking.
No, there is no direct train link between San Diego and Long Beach. However, there is a bus service that departs from San Diego and arrives at Long Beach Bus Station, taking approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. The bus service operates four times a day, every day. Alternatively, there is a train service that involves transferring at Union Station in Los Angeles, with a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes.
The flight from San Diego to Long Beach typically takes approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes. However, please note that there are no direct flights between these two cities as they are relatively close to each other. To fly between them, passengers usually take a connecting flight that includes a layover at Los Angeles Airport. The cost of the flight varies depending on several factors such as the airline, travel dates, and ticket class, but generally, prices for this route start at around $100 USD.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Long Beach. With over 541 hotels to choose from, you are sure to find one that fits your budget and preferences. Prices start at $54 per night, making it affordable for most travelers. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, or extended-stay accommodations, Long Beach has a variety of options to suit your needs.

Trips from San Diego

Trips to Long Beach