The cheapest and fastest buses from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 3 m
Buses per day
2
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 $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 2 buses that leave El Monte, CA for San Diego, CA on Sun, Mar 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 22 the direct buses cover the 171 km distance in an average of 7 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Sun, Mar 22 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.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
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 prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $170.
Distance: 106 miles (171 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$47 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $397 Average price |
7h 9m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:35 PM El Monte, CA | 6h40 | 6:15 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Mar 22
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Mar 28
Journey information
Overview: Bus from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
Buses from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 5h 10m.
Distance 106 miles (171 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 22:30 |
Cheapest month Aug |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Fri |
Least busy day Fri |
Best day to book ahead 3 days |
Bus providers: Metro Los Angeles from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA with Metro Los Angeles for as low as $34 (€28). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Metro Los Angeles
FAQs: Bus from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
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.

- Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
- La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
- Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
- Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
- Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
- hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
- experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
Most popular bus connections from El Monte, CA
More options for your journey from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
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