The cheapest and fastest trains from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$73
Fastest journey
3 h 30 m
Average duration
3 h 37 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
171 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $73 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
It's difficult to get from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
5:04 AM4h00El Monte, CA9:04 AMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
6:34 AM3h30El Monte, CA10:04 AMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
7:34 AM3h33El Monte, CA11:07 AMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
9:34 AM3h33El Monte, CA1:07 PMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
10:04 AM4h03El Monte, CA2:07 PMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
6:34 AM3h30El Monte, CA10:04 AMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
11:34 AM3h30El Monte, CA3:04 PMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
7:34 AM3h33El Monte, CA11:07 AMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
9:34 AM3h33El Monte, CA1:07 PMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
5:04 AM4h00El Monte, CA9:04 AMSan Diego, CA$731One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, 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 $173.
Distance: 106 miles (171 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $402 Average price | $47 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 27m Average total duration 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration 6h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
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 $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $47 (€38).
A train is $361 (€289) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $402 (€321).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 57m.
Bus takes on average 6h 39m.
Tickets start at around $41 (€33) compared to roughly $25 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.92 (€-12.72). The journey takes 2h 57m versus 1h 56m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:04 AM El Monte, CA | 4h00 | 9:04 AM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:34 AM El Monte, CA | 3h30 | 10:04 AM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:34 AM El Monte, CA | 3h33 | 11:07 AM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:34 AM El Monte, CA | 3h33 | 1:07 PM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:04 AM El Monte, CA | 4h03 | 2:07 PM San Diego, CA | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets El Monte, CA to San Diego, 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 106 miles (171 km) distance in 2h 54m.
Distance 106 miles (171 km) |
Average train duration 2h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 54m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 3 days |
Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between El Monte, CA and San Diego, CA from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
FAQs: Trains 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 train. 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 train, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
More options for your journey from El Monte, CA to San Diego, CA
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