- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€28
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€39
Fastest journey on Sep 19
6 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
7 h 7 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
171 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around €39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 buses from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 171 km distance in an average of 7 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 7 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €37 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €37, while a flight costs an average of €513.
Distance: 106 miles (171 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€44 Average price | €37 Average price Cheapest | €513 Average price | €20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA:
A train is €7 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €44.
A train is €477 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €513.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 26m.
Bus takes on average 3h 38m.
Tickets start at around €44 compared to roughly €20 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-23.56. The journey takes 3h 38m versus 1h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:02AM | Arrival Time 07:34AM | Duration 1h32 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 10:49AM | Duration 2h32 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 10:47AM | Arrival Time 12:49PM | Duration 2h02 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 02:17PM | Arrival Time 04:19PM | Duration 2h02 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 04:47PM | Arrival Time 06:19PM | Duration 1h32 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:47PM | Arrival Time 09:19PM | Duration 2h32 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:47PM | Arrival Time 10:49PM | Duration 2h02 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €28 |
The table below shows live departures for El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 4:30 AM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 7h25 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:30 AM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 7h15 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 4:30 AM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 7h05 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:30 AM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 7h50 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
0 | 2:17 PM El Monte, CA | 2h32 | 4:49 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 4:47 PM El Monte, CA | 1h32 | 6:19 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ · | 9:10 AM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 7h15 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 9:10 AM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 8h00 | 5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:10 AM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 9h10 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 3 transfers | |
0 | 6:47 PM El Monte, CA | 1h32 | 8:19 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:47 PM El Monte, CA | 2h02 | 10:49 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 3:35 PM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 8h15 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:35 PM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 6h40 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:35 PM El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) | 7h10 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €33 by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 106 miles (171 km) distance in 1h 32m.
Distance 106 miles (171 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price €33 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 32m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare El Monte, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) is 1 km from El Monte city centre. Public transport options include:
El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.). ATMs are available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.).
Ticket office support is available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.).
Available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.): Wheelchair accessible ramps available.
El Monte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Vending machines and food vendors on site
Wi-Fi is available at El Monte. ATMs are available at El Monte.
Ticket office support is available at El Monte.
Available at El Monte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at El Monte: Wheelchair accessible.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
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