San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, May 08
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA

Showing times and prices for May 09

Cheapest price

$41

Average price

$41

Fastest journey

2 h 56 m

Average duration

2 h 56 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

171 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for El Monte, CA on Sat, May 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, May 09 the direct trains cover the 171 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .

On Sat, May 09 the slowest trains will take 2 h 56 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.

  • Amtrak
    12:01 AM2h56
    San Diego, CA
    2:57 AMEl Monte, CA
    $411One-way
    0 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 prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $304.

Distance: 106 miles (171 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$41

Average price

Cheapest

$49

Average price

$422

Average price

3h 28m

Average total duration

2h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 59m

Average total duration

2h 59m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA is a train with an average price of $41 (€32).

This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA:

A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA costing on average $49 (€39).

A train is $382 (€305) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA costing on average $422 (€337).

The fastest way to travel from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 50m.

Other travel options to El Monte, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 58m.

Flight takes on average 2h 59m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and El Monte, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA among Omio's users.

Live departures

San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak567 Pacific Surfliner7:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak573 Pacific Surfliner10:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak579 Pacific Surfliner1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
3:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak581 Pacific Surfliner2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
4:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
6:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak587 Pacific Surfliner5:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
3h03
8:04 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak12:01 AM San Diego, CA
2h56
2:57 AM El Monte, CA0 transfersDirect
Thursday, May 7
amtrak591 Pacific Surfliner7:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
9:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak593 Pacific Surfliner8:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
10:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak595 Pacific Surfliner9:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
11:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train 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.

Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13
Thu
May 14

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) but you can travel from only $39 (€31) by bus.

There are 10 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 56m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $39 (€31)
Distance
106 miles (171 km)
Average train duration
2h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
$40 (€32)
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
2h 56m
First train
3:50 AM
Last train
10:10 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Fri
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $39 (€31)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and El Monte, CA from $39 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 56m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€32)
Amtrak frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains 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 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 El Monte, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $40 (€32), while the average price is around $41 (€32).
The train from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA takes 2h 56m and runs 10 per day.
The distance by train from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA is 106 miles (171 km).
The first train from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA leaves at 3:50 AM.
The last train from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA leaves at 10:10 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA. This service operates 10 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA.
The train station in San Diego, CA that goes to El Monte, CA is Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA, which connects to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $39 (€31).
The train journey from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA offers coastal views as it travels through Southern California, providing glimpses of beaches and ocean scenery, particularly in the areas near San Diego and Orange County.
A day trip from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA is not feasible, as the journey duration is 2h 56m. However, there are 9 trains available per day. The distance is 106 miles (171 km).
For a visit to El Monte, CA, a day or two is typically sufficient to explore local attractions such as the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area and the El Monte Historical Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA.
Since neither San Diego, CA nor El Monte, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from El Monte, CA include Oxnard, CA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In El Monte, CA, travelers should be aware of petty theft and car break-ins, especially in crowded or poorly lit areas. Avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles and stay alert in public spaces. Some travelers have reported fare scams with unlicensed taxi drivers, so it's recommended to use reputable transportation services or rideshare apps. Staying informed and cautious can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA

San Diego
El Monte
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
Dining
Dining
  • The Fish Market
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Westin San Diego
  • The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Santa Fe Depot
  • San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
Dining
Dining
  • Casa Guadalajara
  • Old Town Mexican Cafe
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $0.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Town Inn
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
  • Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Old Town Station
  • Trolley: Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928

More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to El Monte, CA

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