1map logoGo to main page

Santa Monica, CA, USA to Laguna 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
Laguna Beach, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Monica to Laguna 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
100 kmDistance
1h 5m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Monica to Laguna 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
Train
Average Duration
3h  14m
Estimated price
$40-114
Recommended
Company
various
Tram
Bus
Average Duration
4h  51m
Estimated price
$6-6
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 100 km
Duration: 1h 5m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
6h  1m
Estimated price
$7-7
Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
5h  42m
Estimated price
$8-8
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  5m
Estimated price
$11-17
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santa Monica to Laguna Beach

Traveling from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach offers a compelling contrast between the bustling boardwalks and vibrant culture of Santa Monica and the serene coastal landscapes and artistic charm of Laguna Beach.

Best Neighbourhoods in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

North Laguna
• Scenic cliffs and ocean views
• Art galleries and boutiques abound
Laguna Village
• Lively dining and nightlife scene
• Proximity to Main Beach activities
South Laguna
• Quiet beaches and stunning sunsets
• Access to beautiful hiking trails

Best Times To Visit Laguna Beach's Attractions

Planning your visit around crowds can elevate your Laguna Beach experience.

Heisler Park
Early morning is ideal for peaceful walks and stunning sunrise views.
Laguna Art Museum
Weekday afternoons allow for a quieter experience with fewer visitors.
Main Beach
Visit during the late afternoon for a relaxed beach vibe and sunset.

Laguna Beach Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Laguna Beach enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool winters, making it a year-round destination. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant times to visit, as the weather is comfortable and crowds are smaller, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining in Laguna Beach: A Flavorful Escape

For a comforting yet unique dining experience, don’t miss the freshly caught seafood at Nick’s Laguna Beach, where the focus on local ingredients and a relaxed beachy vibe set it apart from the more bustling eateries in Santa Monica. The house specialty, a buttery lobster roll, perfectly captures the essence of coastal flavors, allowing you to savor the distinct tastes of the area.

Santa Monica - Laguna Beach operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Los Angeles to Irvine

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$40-65
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Train from Downtown Santa Monica Station to 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines

Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
$2-2
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Bus from Wilshire / Lincoln to 6th / Broadway

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$2-2

Bus from 5th / Hill to Disneyland Employee's Entrance

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$2-2

Bus from LAX City Bus Center to Long Beach / Anaheim

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
$2-2
Contact phone
+1 714-560-6282
Website
http://octa.net

Bus from 7Th-Channel to Coast-Ocean

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$2-2

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

Traveling between Santa Monica and Laguna 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.

🚗 Discover the scenic beauty of Southern California as you embark on a 62-mile journey from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach in just over an hour. 🌴 Enjoy the flexibility and freedom of traveling by car, with prices typically ranging from $11 to $17 for this picturesque coastal drive.
Average price
$11 - $17
🚌 The journey from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach by bus involves multiple transfers, with the total travel time taking approximately 5 hours and 42 minutes. 🚌 The cost of a bus ticket between Santa Monica and Laguna Beach is around $8, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the coastal towns of Southern California.
Departure Point
Wilshire / Lincoln station
Arrival Point
Disneyland Employee's Entrance station

Frequently asked questions

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

Or choose the category:
The distance between Santa Monica and Laguna Beach is 53 miles, or 62.1 miles by road. The typical travel time by tram and train from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach is 3 hours and 13 minutes. By car, it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to travel from Laguna Beach to Santa Monica. If traveling by bus, it can take approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes to reach Laguna Beach from Santa Monica.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach is to take a combination of tram and bus, which costs $6 and takes approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. This option may not be the quickest, but it is affordable and allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option is to drive, which takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes and costs around $11-$17 in fuel expenses.
The price of a bus ticket between Santa Monica and Laguna Beach is $8. This is a convenient and affordable option for travelers. Other modes of transportation such as tram/train or car may have additional costs such as parking fees or ticket prices. It is always a good idea to consider all transportation options and their associated costs when planning a trip.
To get from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach without using public transportation, you can drive your own car or rent one. The driving distance between the two places is approximately 62 miles, and it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to complete the journey by car. The price of gas may vary, but typically it costs around $11 to $17 in total for the round trip.
To travel from Santa Monica to Laguna Beach without a car, the best option is to take a tram and a train. This journey takes approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $40 to $120. This mode of transportation allows you to avoid the hassle of driving and parking, while still enjoying a convenient and comfortable journey to your destination.
There is no direct bus link between Santa Monica and Laguna Beach. However, you can take a series of transfers, starting from Wilshire / Lincoln and reaching Laguna Beach Bus Station via various stops. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. The bus services are operated by Metro Los Angeles.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Laguna Beach. With over 533 hotels available, you can find something to suit your preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in the area start at $60 per night, making it an affordable destination for travelers. It's recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and to secure the best rates.

Trips from Santa Monica

Trips to Laguna Beach