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San Mateo, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $29: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Mateo 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.

$29 by trainBest price
719 kmDistance
3h 22m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Mateo 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
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  22m
Estimated price
$75-238
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
16h  46m
Estimated price
$29-254
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 719 km
Duration: 3h 22m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h 
Estimated price
$37-206
Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
4h  28m
Estimated price
$63-231
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
3h  35m
Estimated price
$138-750
Company
Tufesa
Bus
Average Duration
14h  21m
Estimated price
$751-752
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
15h  42m
Estimated price
$753-754
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
12h  30m
Estimated price
$755-756
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  15m
Estimated price
$757-758
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Traveling From San Mateo to San Diego

The journey from San Mateo to San Diego showcases a shift from the serene Bay Area vibe to the vibrant coastal life of Southern California.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Home to vibrant nightlife and dining options.
• Historic district with stunning Victorian architecture.
La Jolla
• Gorgeous beaches perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.
• Upscale shopping and art galleries nearby.
Mission Beach
• Offers a lively boardwalk for walking and biking.
• Great surf spots and beachfront cafes.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience of San Diego's top spots.

San Diego Zoo
Visit on weekdays during the school year for fewer crowds.
Balboa Park
Early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays offer a peaceful stroll.
USS Midway Museum
Visit in the early hours for shorter lines and more exploration time.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Travelers will find that the pleasant weather year-round enhances outdoor activities, though the best months to visit are typically from March to May and September to November for ideal conditions.

Dining Recommendation in San Diego

Experience San Diego's vibrant food scene with a visit to the iconic fish taco stand, Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, where fresh local fish meets bold Mexican flavors, a stark contrast to the more subdued culinary offerings in San Mateo. The casual beach-side atmosphere, combined with the use of locally sourced ingredients, creates a unique dining experience that celebrates Southern California's abundant seafood.

San Mateo - San Diego operators

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

Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$2380-2385

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$2386-2387

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$2388-2389
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$75-290

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$291-292

Plane from Monterey (MRY) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$2386-293
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$2384-294

Plane from Monterey (MRY) to San Diego (via Los Angeles)

Average Duration
3h 17m
Estimated price
$295-292
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
http://www.caltrain.com

Train from San Mateo Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration
1h 7m
Estimated price
$2543-2540

Train from Hillsdale Caltrain Southbound to Santa Clara Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$299-2540
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration
10h 45m
Estimated price
$2546-2547

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$2544-757
Bus
Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553
Website
tufesainternacional.com

Bus from Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose to San Ysidro

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
$2382-2384
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop

Average Duration
12h 35m
Estimated price
$25445-2386
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to San Diego

Average Duration
10h 55m
Estimated price
$25420-295

Frequently asked questions

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

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Mateo and San Diego is 447 miles, with a road distance of 492.1 miles. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes. By taking Caltrain, tram, and BART to Oakland, it takes around 4 hours and 24 minutes. By plane, the travel time is approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. If driving by car, it takes about 8 hours and 15 minutes, while by bus, it takes around 14 hours and 26 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Mateo to San Diego is by taking a night bus, which costs between $45 and $150 and takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the fastest way to travel from San Mateo to San Diego is by flying, which takes around 3 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $65 and $290. It is important to consider both the budget and travel time when choosing the best transportation option for your journey.
When traveling from San Mateo to San Diego, the prices for a train ticket can range from $29 to $254. Alternatively, taking a bus between the two cities can cost anywhere from $73 to $112. It's important to check for any promotions or discounts that may be available to find the best deal on your desired mode of transportation.
To travel from San Mateo to San Diego without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance is approximately 492 miles and it takes around 8 hours and 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost can vary between $85 to $130 for a one-way trip.
To travel from San Mateo to San Diego without a car, there are a few options available. The fastest way is to fly, which takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $65 and $290. Another option is to take a bus via San Jose, which takes around 14 hours and 26 minutes and costs between $70 and $120. If you prefer train travel, you can take the Caltrain and train combination, which takes about 16 hours and 45 minutes and costs between $29 and $260.
Yes, there is a link between San Mateo and San Diego but it involves transfers. You can take a train from San Mateo to San Diego, but it requires transfers in San Jose and Los Angeles, with a total travel time of approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes. The train services are operated by Caltrain and Amtrak.
The flight between San Mateo and San Diego typically takes 1 hour and 25 minutes, depending on the specific flight and any potential layovers. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $65 to $288, again depending on factors such as airline, time of booking, and availability. It's recommended to book in advance and compare prices to find the best deal.
There are numerous accommodation options available near San Diego with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53 per night, providing a range of options to suit different budgets. Whether you prefer luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget accommodations, there is something for everyone in San Diego. It is recommended to check booking websites or contact travel agencies for more specific information on available hotels and their amenities.

Trips to San Diego