How to travel from San Diego to Los Angeles

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3 ways to go from San Diego to Los Angeles

Bus
Average PriceUS$23 - US$68Average Duration3h 35m
5kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
Train
Average PriceUS$38 - US$42Average Duration2h 56m
16kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Most eco-friendly
Shuttle
Average PriceUS$66 - US$70Average Duration2h 35m
5kg CO₂e4 out of 5 stars
Fastest
Busbud recommends taking the train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Los Angeles. The journey takes about 2 hours 56 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$38, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
2h 56mAverage Duration
US$38Cheapest ticket
16kgCO₂ emissions
TodayNov 22
TomorrowNov 23
from US$28
SunNov 24
from US$30
MonNov 25
from US$30
TueNov 26
from US$31
WedNov 27
from US$31
ThuNov 28
from US$28
FriNov 29
from US$28

Next departures to Los Angeles

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: Santa Fe Depot
    Arrival time: November 24 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: UCLA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: San Diego (Old Town), SE corner of Congress St & Telegraph Way
    Arrival time: November 23 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Los Angeles International Airport, LAX Terminal 3
    Operated by: reLAXsanreLAXsan
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)
    Arrival time: November 23 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Los Angeles Union Station
    Operated by: FlixBusFlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: Old Town San Diego
    Arrival time: November 23 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: San Diego (Old Town), SE corner of Congress St & Telegraph Way
    Arrival time: November 23 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Los Angeles International Airport, LAX Terminal 3
    Operated by: reLAXsanreLAXsan
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: Old Town San Diego
    Arrival time: November 23 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Union Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: San Diego (Old Town), SE corner of Congress St & Telegraph Way
    Arrival time: November 23 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: Los Angeles International Airport, LAX Terminal 3
    Operated by: reLAXsanreLAXsan
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 23 at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: Old Town San Diego
    Arrival time: November 23 at
    Destination city: Los Angeles
    Destination location: UCLA
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 2:55 PM PST.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

From San Diego to Los Angeles: Trip Overview

Travel the 126 miles (204 km) from San Diego to Los Angeles by Bus, Train, Shuttle or Shuttle. The average cost for a trip from San Diego to Los Angeles is US$49. This route is served by top travel providers like LAX Linq, reLAXsan, Tufesa, Los Limousines, FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket priceUS$49
Average bus trip duration3h 2m
Number of daily departures2
Number of daily train departures1
Number of daily shuttle departures1
Earliest departure12:30am
Distance126 miles (204 km)
Latest departure10:40pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - US$23
Fastest mode of travelShuttle - 1h 30m
Popular travel companiesLAX Linq, reLAXsan, Tufesa, Los Limousines, FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from San Diego to Los Angeles

Whether you're a budget traveller or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from San Diego to Los Angeles is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from San Diego to Los Angeles for an average of US$36 and a travel time of 4 hours 13 minutes. FlixBus, Los Limousines, Greyhound, Amtrak, Tufesa offer tickets starting at US$23.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from San Diego to Los Angeles. The trip typically takes 3 hours 4 minutes, with ticket prices starting at US$38. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Old Town San Diego, Santa Fe Depot, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from San Diego to Los Angeles is sometimes an option travellers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from San Diego to Los Angeles and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs US$23, and the average price is US$36. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between San Diego and Los Angeles?

    If you're pressed for time, the shuttle reigns supreme, taking you from San Diego to Los Angeles in roughly 2h 35m.

  3. How do I travel from San Diego to Los Angeles without a car?

    You can take a bus, train or shuttle for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    The average travel time between San Diego and Los Angeles is around 3h 35m, although the fastest bus will take about 1h 40m.This is the time it takes to travel the 205 km that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    When taking the bus from San Diego to Los Angeles, you can travel comfortably and safely with FlixBus, Los Limousines, Greyhound, Amtrak, Tufesa.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between San Diego and Los Angeles?

    The number of buses from San Diego to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from San Diego to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    Buses travelling between San Diego and Los Angeles leave from San Ysidro McDonald's or Old Town Courtyard Marriot and arrive at Ramirez Street bus stop, UCLA, East LA I-5 & I-710.

  8. How long is the trip from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    A train trip between San Diego and Los Angeles is around 2h 56m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 42m. This is the time it takes to travel the 205 km that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between San Diego and Los Angeles?

    The number of trains from San Diego to Los Angeles can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Diego to Los Angeles by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from San Diego to Los Angeles?

    Trains travelling between San Diego and Los Angeles leave from San Ysidro McDonald's or Old Town Courtyard Marriot and arrive at Ramirez Street bus stop, UCLA, East LA I-5 & I-710.

Popular places around San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel
Orange Lake Resort
San Diego International Airport - Terminal 1
Holiday Inn Express Downtown

Why choose Busbud?

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Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from San Diego to Los Angeles

Buses from Los Angeles to San Diego

Go by train

Trains from San Diego to Los Angeles

Trains from Los Angeles to San Diego

Popular routes