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Santa Monica, CA, USA to Huntington Beach, CA, USA from $6: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Santa Monica, United States of America
to
Huntington Beach, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Monica to Huntington 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.

$6 by busBest price
74 kmDistance
50m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Monica to Huntington 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
various
Tram
Taxi
Average Duration
2h  1m
Estimated price
$52-67
Recommended
Company
various
Tram
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  28m
Estimated price
$6-6
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 74 km
Duration: 50m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  58m
Estimated price
$6-6
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$8-12
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$190-230

Traveling From Santa Monica to Huntington Beach

The journey from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach offers a striking contrast between the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of Santa Monica’s iconic pier and the laid-back, surf-centric vibe of Huntington Beach.

Best Neighbourhoods in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm.

Downtown Huntington Beach
• Home to the iconic Huntington Beach Pier.
• Vibrant dining and shopping options abound.
Pacific City
• Beachfront shopping and dining with ocean views.
• Features a lively atmosphere with events year-round.
Huntington Harbour
• Scenic waterfront homes and boat access.
• Quiet, residential feel great for relaxation.

Best Times To Visit Huntington Beach's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Huntington Beach.

Huntington Beach Pier
Early mornings on weekdays offer stunning views and fewer visitors.
Pacific City
Visit during weekday afternoons for a relaxed atmosphere and shopping.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Explore in the late afternoon for prime birdwatching opportunities.

Huntington Beach Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Huntington Beach boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny summers and cooler winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. Visiting in late spring or early fall typically offers the best weather for enjoying outdoor activities, while breezy summer days can enhance your beach experience.

Dining Recommendation in Huntington Beach

Try the fish tacos at The Crack Shack, where fresh, locally-sourced ingredients meld with a fun, casual beachside atmosphere. This culinary experience offers a distinct shift from Santa Monica’s upscale dining scene, focusing instead on vibrant flavors and a relaxed vibe that truly captures the essence of Southern California.

Santa Monica - Huntington Beach operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Monica and Huntington Beach, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Tram
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Tram from Downtown Santa Monica Station to Pico Station

Average Duration
44m
Estimated price
$520-520

Tram from Pico Station to Anaheim Street Station

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$522-522
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Bus from Flower / Pico to Fullerton Park & Ride Dock 14

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
$520-520

Bus from Wilshire / Lincoln to 6th / Broadway

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$520-520

Bus from 5th / Hill to Fullerton Park & Ride Dock 14

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$520-520
Contact phone
+1 714-560-6282
Website
http://octa.net

Bus from Fullerton Park And Ride Dock 7 to Orange-Main

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$520-520
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 714-905-5453
Website
http://aqtransportation.com

Taxi from Anaheim Street Station to Huntington Beach

Average Duration
23m
Estimated price
$50-65

Taxi from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$190-230

Santa Monica to Huntington Beach: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Santa Monica and Huntington 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.

🚗 Driving from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach, just a scenic 46-mile journey, will take you approximately 50 minutes through beautiful Southern California highways. 🏖️ The cost of gas for this trip usually ranges from $8 to $12, offering an affordable way to enjoy the coastal views and vibrant atmosphere of Huntington Beach.
Average price
$8 - $12
🚊 Start your journey from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach with a scenic train ride that takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. This route spans 54.5 miles and involves 2 transfers along the way.
🚌 Despite no direct bus from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach, you can still reach your destination in approximately 4 hours and 58 minutes with transfers along the way. 🚌 The journey involves multiple steps, including transfers at different stations, such as Wilshire / Lincoln, Fullerton Park And Ride Dock 7, and Orange-Main. 🚌 Prices for the bus between Santa Monica and Huntington Beach are budget-friendly, starting at $6 for a convenient and scenic trip along the California coast.
Departure Point
Wilshire / Lincoln station
Arrival Point
Orange-Main station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach.

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The cheapest way to travel from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach is to take the tram and bus combination. You can start by taking the Expo Line train from downtown Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles. From there, you can transfer to the Orange Line bus and head towards Costa Mesa. Finally, take the Line 25 bus to reach Huntington Beach. This entire journey usually takes around 4 hours and 29 minutes and costs approximately $6.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach is by taking a taxi. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and costs between $190 and $230. This option is ideal for those who prioritize speed and convenience over cost. However, there are also alternative transportation options available such as public transportation, which may be more affordable for budget-conscious travelers.
The distance between Santa Monica and Huntington Beach is approximately 38 miles. The road distance is slightly longer at 46 miles. The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to travel between the two cities. However, please note that travel times may be longer during peak traffic hours.
The best way to travel from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach without a car is to take the tram from Downtown Santa Monica Station to 7th Street / Metro Center Station. From here, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to Huntington Beach, which will take approximately 2 hours. The estimated cost of the taxi or rideshare service is $50-$70. Alternatively, you can take a combination of public transportation by taking the tram and bus which will take approximately 4 hours and cost $6.
The travel time from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach is approximately 2 hours, including any necessary transfers. The specific travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation chosen. It is advisable to check the latest schedule for the chosen method of transportation to plan the journey accordingly.
There are numerous accommodation options available in and around Huntington Beach. These range from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. Some popular hotels near Huntington Beach include Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, and The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices to find the best deal that suits your preferences and budget.
Yes, you can drive from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 46 miles, and it takes about 50 minutes to complete the journey by car. You can take the Pacific Coast Highway for a scenic drive along the coast. Please note that travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
No, there is no direct bus between Santa Monica and Huntington Beach. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. The journey begins at Wilshire / Lincoln and requires transfers at 5th / Hill and Fullerton Park And Ride Dock 7, before reaching the destination at Orange-Main. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 5 hours.
To catch the bus from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach you will need to go to the Wilshire/Lincoln station. This is where the buses operated by Metro Los Angeles depart from. The Wilshire/Lincoln station is located at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. Be sure to check the bus schedule and plan your trip accordingly.
The Santa Monica to Huntington Beach bus services, operated by OCTA, arrive at Orange-Main station. The bus route typically takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Once you arrive at Orange-Main station, you can easily explore Huntington Beach and its many attractions.
The cost of a bus ticket from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach is $6. This is an affordable option for travelers looking to save money. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of taking the bus make it a popular choice for transportation between these two cities.
The cost of driving from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach can range from $8 to $12, depending on factors such as gas prices, vehicle efficiency, and tolls. This estimate includes the cost of fuel for the round trip, which is approximately 45 miles one way. Keep in mind that parking fees may apply in Huntington Beach, so that should be factored into the overall cost as well.

Trips from Santa Monica