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San Diego, CA, USA to San Clemente, CA, USA from $10: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Diego to San Clemente: 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 - OtherBest price
96 kmDistance
1h Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to San Clemente 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  18m
Estimated price
$2-70
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h 
Estimated price
$10-16
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 96 km
Duration: 1h

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
2h  22m
Estimated price
$9-20
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  27m
Estimated price
$9-20
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Traveling From San Diego to San Clemente

The journey from San Diego to San Clemente offers a shift from the vibrant city life and urban beaches of San Diego to the relaxed charm and stunning coastal vistas of San Clemente.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Clemente

San Clemente boasts inviting neighborhoods, each with its own charm.

Downtown San Clemente
• Vibrant shops and restaurants line Avenida Del Mar
• Close to the iconic San Clemente Pier
Trestles
• Known for excellent surfing conditions
• Scenic coastal trails for hiking and biking
Forster Ranch
• Family-friendly community with parks
• Scenic views and quiet residential streets

Best Times To Visit San Clemente's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at San Clemente's attractions.

San Clemente Pier
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning views.
Casa Romantica Cultural Center
Weekdays offer a quieter atmosphere to enjoy the art and gardens.
Trestles Beach
Go during weekdays for calmer surf conditions and less crowded sand.

San Clemente Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Clemente enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. While spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities and fewer crowds, understanding seasonal variations can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Clemente

Try the locally sourced fish tacos at The Fisherman's Restaurant, where the flavors reflect a more relaxed, coastal vibe compared to the bustling culinary scene of San Diego. The beachfront setting enhances the experience, allowing you to savor fresh ingredients while enjoying ocean views that capture the essence of San Clemente.

San Diego - San Clemente operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and San Clemente, 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 San Clemente Pier Amtrak

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$2-70

Train from Santa Fe Depot, CA to Oceanside Amtrak Station

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$0-0

Train from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot to Oceanside Transit Center Platform 3

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$2-25
Website
https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from Oceanside Station to San Clemente Pier Station

Average Duration
28m
Estimated price
$700-234

Train from Oceanside Station to San Clemente Station

Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$700-235
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Santa Fe Depot, CA to Oceanside Amtrak Station

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
0-0
all-pages.other Show other routes
Website
gonctd.com

Other from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot to Oceanside Transit Center Platform 3

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$2-25

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

Traveling between San Diego and San Clemente 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 San Clemente, covering a picturesque driving distance of 59 miles along the beautiful California coast. 💰 Discover budget-friendly options for your trip, with car travel costs ranging from $10 to $16, making it an affordable and convenient way to explore the coastal beauty of Southern California.
Average price
$10 - $16
🚆 Traveling by train from San Diego to San Clemente is a convenient and scenic journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes. With services operating three times a day, it offers flexibility for travelers to choose a suitable departure time. 💰 Fares for the train ride between San Diego and San Clemente range from $2 to $70, making it an affordable option for those looking to enjoy a relaxing and hassle-free journey along the coastline of Southern California.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
San Clemente Pier Amtrak station
Useful tips for train travellers
For your train trip from San Diego to San Clemente, consider using the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which provides catering services such as a café car featuring a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Make sure to check their menu and operating hours for convenience during your journey.
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner offers various seating options, including Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class provides extra legroom, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, and free Wi-Fi, while Coach Class has comfortable seating but fewer amenities. Be sure to reserve your seat in advance to secure the best option for your comfort.
Upon arrival in San Clemente, you’ll find that there are no luggage storage services at the station. However, the station has restrooms available for your convenience. To get to the city center from the San Clemente train station, the quickest option is to take the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Bus 1, which runs frequently and takes around 10-15 minutes to reach downtown San Clemente.
🚌 Starting from San Diego the bus journey to San Clemente will take approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes covering a distance of 127 miles with 2 transfers along the way. 🚏 The first transfer involves a bus towards Los Angeles operated by Greyhound, departing from San Diego and arriving at Santa Ana & Santiago, taking around 2 hours. 🌴 The final leg of the trip includes catching a bus towards San Clemente Metrolink Station operated by Orange County Transportation Authority, taking about 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete the journey to Avd Pico-El Camino Real.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and San Clemente is approximately 56 miles or 59.4 miles by road. The typical travel time by train from San Diego to San Clemente is 1 hour and 18 minutes. If you prefer taking a bus and then a train, the typical travel time is 2 hours and 22 minutes. If you decide to drive, it usually takes around 1 hour to reach San Diego from San Clemente.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to San Clemente is by driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and the cost is around $10-$16. Taking a train is also a viable option, which takes 1 hour and 18 minutes but may come at a slightly higher cost. Both options provide relatively quick and convenient ways to reach San Clemente from San Diego.
The prices for train travel between San Diego and San Clemente range from $2 to $70, depending on factors such as the type of ticket and the time of day. It is advised to check the specific prices and available options on the website or contact the train service for accurate information. Other modes of transportation such as buses and cars may have different prices, so it is recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for their rates.
To travel from San Diego to San Clemente without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 59 miles in about 1 hour. The driving time may vary depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving from San Diego to San Clemente by car ranges from $10 to $16, taking into consideration factors such as gas prices and toll fees.
The most convenient option to travel from San Diego to San Clemente without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, and ticket prices range from $2 to $70, depending on the class and type of train. There are multiple train services available with regular departures, making it easy to plan your trip.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and San Clemente. The train service operated by Amtrak departs from San Diego station and arrives at San Clemente Pier Amtrak station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, and there are three departures daily, operating every day.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Clemente. With over 185 hotels to choose from, you can find something that suits your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at $79 per night, offering a range of choices for travelers. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxury hotel, San Clemente has a variety of places to stay to cater to different needs.

Trips from San Diego