Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA train

Fri, Jul 03
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, 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 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $114.

Distance: 118 miles (191 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$33

Average price

Cheapest

$418

Average price

$35

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 38m

Average total duration

5h 38m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

2h 10m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of $33 (€27).

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:

A bus is $385 (€318) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $418 (€345).

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

Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:

Flight takes on average 5h 38m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Monica, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.

Compare prices and tickets Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA by bus or flight

Compare bus 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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Jul 03
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA

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Take a train from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA and enjoy the approximately 118 miles (191 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.

The earliest train runs at 12:01, the last at 16:10.

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 $23 (€19)
Distance
118 miles (191 km)
First train
12:01 PM
Last train
4:10 PM
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
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 $23 (€19)

Complete guide to San Diego

Things to do in San Diego

Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.

  • Must visit

USS Midway Museum

A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history. One of the city's most visited cultural attractions.

  • Recommended

San Diego Museum of Art

Balboa Park's flagship art museum, known for European old masters, South Asian art, and major rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial building.

  • Recommended

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Contemporary art museum with a major La Jolla campus and strong collection of postwar and current works, plus ocean-view architecture and installations.

United States Dollar

San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near beaches and downtown.

Average meal costs

Budget
USD 10-18 for tacos, fast food, or casual takeout.
Mid-range
USD 25-45 per person at a standard restaurant.
Fine dining
USD 75+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
USD 4-7 for a latte or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.

FAQs: Trains from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, 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.

FAQs
The distance by train from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is 118 miles (191 km).
The first train from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 12:01 PM.
The last train from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:10 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $23 (€19).
Yes, the train journey from Santa Monica to San Diego is scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal cliffs, and charming beach towns along the route.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
No, you cannot take the train from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA.
Since neither Santa Monica, CA nor San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA include Irvine, CA, Santa Ana, CA, Oceanside, CA, Orange, CA, San Juan Capistrano, CA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches, public transportation, and popular tourist spots such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized ticket sellers near attractions. Staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and using official transportation services help reduce risks. Additionally, travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of local traffic laws when using scooters or bikes.
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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA

Most Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Los Angeles, Westwood Amtrak (UCLA) to Santa Fe Depot station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Monica, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Santa Monica
Arrival train stations in San Diego

Which San Diego, CA station do trains from Santa Monica, CA arrive at?

Trains from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA arrive at Santa Fe Depot. Santa Fe Depot is 0 miles (1 km) from San Diego, CA city centre.
Santa Fe Depot1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre

Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · $6 · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min

Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services

Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.

Most popular train connections from Santa Monica, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego, CASanta Monica, CA to San Diego, CA train

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