The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 30 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA without transferring at least once.
785 Pacific Surfliner · 5914 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 5914 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 5914 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 5914 AMTRAKTravel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 €20. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €20, and a flight costs an average of €67.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€40 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest | €201 Average price |
5h 8m Average total duration 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 26m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 tomorrow, Saturday, November 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
785 Pacific Surfliner · 5914 AMTRAK | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h34 | 5:35 AM Santa Monica, CA | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 5914 AMTRAK | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h25 | 5:35 AM Santa Monica, CA | 1 transfer | |
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, 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.
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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 3 times per day, taking around 4h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) but you can travel from only $24 (€20) 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 (€39) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 5h 25m |
First train 12:01 |
Last train 16:10 |
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 $24 (€20). 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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