Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train for San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $126.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $404 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 45m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA:
A bus is $17 (€14) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA costing on average $49 (€40).
A bus is $371 (€304) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA costing on average $404 (€330).
Other travel options to Santa Monica, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 38m.
Flight takes on average 5h 45m.
Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $35 (€29) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.23 (€-11.64). The journey takes 4h 38m versus 2h 21m 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
San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:10 PM San Diego, CA | 6h05 | 5:15 AM Santa Monica, CA | 0 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 Santa Monica, CA by bus, flight, or train
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 12:01, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average train duration 4h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 5h 25m |
First train 12:01 PM |
Last train 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Santa Monica, CA from $23 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, 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
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- 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
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
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