The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$44
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$61
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 58 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 58 m
Buses on Sep 19
13
Distance
171 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 13 buses from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA, including 6 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 171 km distance in an average of 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 1 h 58 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.
· 7:45 PM5h05San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA12:50 AMEl Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.)$441One-way1 transfer
FlixBus+
1:10 PM5h10San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA6:20 PMEl Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.)$461One-way1 transfer
· 5:40 AM5h45San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA11:25 AMEl Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.)$461One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus+
9:25 AM8h55San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA6:20 PMEl Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.)$471One-way2 transfers
· 7:10 PM5h40San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center12:50 AMEl Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.)$511One-way1 transfer
05:51 PM1h58San Diego, CA7:49 PMEl Monte, CA$761One-way0 transfers
03:51 PM1h58San Diego, CA5:49 PMEl Monte, CA$761One-way0 transfers
07:51 PM1h58San Diego, CA9:49 PMEl Monte, CA$761One-way0 transfers
011:51 AM1h58San Diego, CA1:49 PMEl Monte, CA$761One-way0 transfers
09:51 AM1h58San Diego, CA11:49 AMEl Monte, CA$761One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $41, while a flight costs an average of $642.
Distance: 106 miles (171 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$56 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $642 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 1m 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 San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA:
A train is $15 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA costing on average $56.
A train is $601 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA costing on average $642.
Other travel options to El Monte, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 37m.
Bus takes on average 3h 54m.
Tickets start at around $56 compared to roughly $25 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-30.80. The journey takes 3h 54m versus 2h 1m 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.
San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:51AM | Arrival Time 09:49AM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:51AM | Arrival Time 11:49AM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:51AM | Arrival Time 01:49PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 01:51PM | Arrival Time 03:49PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 03:51PM | Arrival Time 05:49PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:51PM | Arrival Time 07:49PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:51PM | Arrival Time 09:49PM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Live departures
San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to El Monte, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 PM San Diego, CA | 7h20 | 8:20 PM El Monte, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:45 PM San Diego, CA | 5h40 | 7:25 PM El Monte, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:10 PM San Diego, CA | 5h10 | 1:20 AM El Monte, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:10 PM San Diego, CA | 5h10 | 2:20 AM El Monte, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
Sep 19
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Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Sep 24
Sep 25
Why should you book San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA
Buses from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 if you book in advance.
There are 1 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 2h 55m.
Distance 106 miles (171 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Infobus from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CAYou can travel by bus between San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus, Infobus for as low as $33. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to El Monte, 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 El Monte, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA
Most San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA buses use the San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center to El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) station pair, with some services arriving at El Monte. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and El Monte, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which San Diego, CA station do buses to El Monte, CA leave from?
Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center bus station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre
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) bus station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
Getting to San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) from San Diego city centre
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) bus station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
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).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
Which El Monte, CA station do buses from San Diego, CA arrive at?
Getting to El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.) from El Monte city centre
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.) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.). ATMs are available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at El Monte, Bus Transportation (Santa Anita Ave.): Wheelchair accessible ramps available.
Getting to El Monte from El Monte city centre
El Monte bus station facilities and services
El Monte has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Vending machines and food vendors on site
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at El Monte. ATMs are available at El Monte.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at El Monte.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at El Monte: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at El Monte: Wheelchair accessible.
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA
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