What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego?

The cheapest way to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego is to line 33 bus and train and bus which costs $16 - $25 and takes 6h 49m.

What is the fastest way to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego?

The fastest way to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego is to drive which takes 2h 10m and costs $21 - $35.

Is there a direct bus between Santa Monica and University of California, San Diego?

No, there is no direct bus from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego. However, there are services departing from Lincoln Nb & Santa Monica Fs and arriving at San Diego via Los Angeles. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 4m.

Is there a direct train between Santa Monica and University of California, San Diego?

No, there is no direct train from Santa Monica station to University of California, San Diego station. However, there are services departing from Downtown Santa Monica Station and arriving at UCSD Central Campus Station via 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro B & D Lines, Los Angeles and Old Town Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 12m.

How far is it from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego?

The distance between Santa Monica and University of California, San Diego is 146 miles. The road distance is 120.4 miles.

Where do I catch the Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego bus from?

Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego bus services, operated by Flixbus USA, depart from Los Angeles station.

Where do I catch the Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego train from?

Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego train services, operated by Amtrak, depart from Los Angeles station.

Train or bus from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego?

The best way to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego is to bus which takes 5h 4m and costs $29 - $90. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $35 - $55 and takes 5h 12m.

Can I drive from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego?

Yes, the driving distance between Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego is 120 miles. It takes approximately 2h 10m to drive from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego.

Where can I stay near University of California, San Diego?

There are 2223+ hotels available in University of California, San Diego.

Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego

Q: How long does it take to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego?

It takes approximately 5h 4m to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego, including transfers.

There are 6 ways to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego by bus (Flixbus), train (Amtrak), bus, train, car, plane, or tram

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Bus (Flixbus)
best
1. Take the bus from Los Angeles to San DiegoFlixBus 2017
5h 4m
$29–86
Line 33 bus, train, bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Patsaouras Transit Plaza33
2. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to Oceanside
3. Take the bus from Oceanside Transit Center Stall 8 to Gilman Dr & Myers Dr101
6h 49m
$17–25
Train (Amtrak)
1. Take the train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation CenterPacific Surfliner
5h 12m
$39–54
Line 33 bus, train
1. Take the bus from 5th / Santa Monica to Cesar E Chavez / Alameda33
2. Take the train from Los Angeles to Solana Beach Amtrak StationPacific Surfliner
5h 53m
$33–41
Drive 119.7 mi
1. Drive from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego119.7 mi
2h 10m
$22–32
Line 3 bus, fly, tram
1. Take the bus from 4Th Sb & Santa Monica Place to LAX/Metro Transit Center
2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)LAX - SAN
3. Take the tram from Santa Fe Depot to UCSD Central Campus Station
4h 4m
$100–393

Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego by bus and foot (Flixbus)

4Weekly Services

5h 4mAverage Duration

$29Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to University of California, San Diego.

Launch map view

Distance: 144.8 mi
Duration: 5h 4m

What companies run services between Santa Monica, CA, USA and University of California, San Diego, CA, USA?

Flixbus USA operates a bus from Los Angeles to San Diego 4 times a week. Tickets cost $28–85 and the journey takes 3h 20m. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center every 2 hours. Tickets cost $33–38 and the journey takes 2h 40m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.