How Far is San Diego from LA: Driving, By Plane, Train or Bus Itinerary
How far is San Diego from Los Angeles? The distance from San Diego and Los Angeles is about 120 miles. Here are the best ways to get from one city to the other.
People from all over the world dream of visiting Los Angeles, Hollywood, and all the excitement it promises. Once you make the trip, you'll keep going back like me. Another city definitely worth visiting? San Diego! Here's how to get between these two amazing cities.
San Diego from LA Basics:
Los Angeles to San Diego By Plane
I spent four weeks exploring this lovely sunny area, home to home to some of my favorite things to do in Southern California.
Now, first things first, non-stop flights from LAX to SAN are pretty frequent and start around at $239. Flight time is just under an hour. But when you factor in airport wait times and traffic, I prefer other ways of getting between cities, like driving and by train.
Los Angeles to San Diego By Train
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner is the train that will take you from LAX to SAN from around $36. One way coach trips take just under 3 hours.
Frequent departures are offered every day. The Surfliner offers free Wi-Fi, a cafe car serving light meals and soft drinks, and wheel chair accessibility.
This train also has racks made just for surfboards and bicycles; so bring one along if you like. A section of this route follows right along the Pacific coast so have your camera ready to capture the stunning ocean views!
LA to San Diego By Bus
Greyhound Bus offers fares that are quite affordable starting at $32 one way.
There are several early morning trips to accommodate business travelers who need to arrive in San Diego early in the day. I prefer the express buses that make fewer stops.
The bus takes about one hour and 45 minutes and the route is quite scenic. It's nice and easy for enjoying the view because you don't have to worry about driving.
LA to San Diego By Private Transfer Service
There are many private car services. Check Google for the best option for you and your party.
For example, Half Moon Limousines offers luxury rides from LAX to SAN. One-way service begins at $179 for up to three people.
Los Angeles to San Diego By Car
It's about 120 miles between Los Angeles and San Diego.
Option 1: The best route to take on your road trip will be I-5 which follows the Pacific coast once one gets south of Dana Point. From LAX take I-405 west to I-105 and follow the signs to I-5. From downtown, follow I-5 all the way.
There will be several theme parks along this route if you have time to stop: Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland. These parks need at least one day to see all they have to offer. So, plan ahead and make sure you stop for an adventure.
Next up is the Santa Ana Zoo; located near the intersection of I-5 and Hwy. 55. Stop by and visit over 350 animals at this wonderful zoo.
At this point, the highway curves west and heads toward the coast. One is now following I-5 along the Pacific coast toward San Diego. Beautiful seascapes and vistas come into view.
Option 2: Another route one can take is from LAX via Hwy. 1, the coastal highway; follow it south. This road follows the coast and goes through the quaint little beach towns with shops, boutiques, restaurants, exciting night life and more. Hwy. 1 will converge with I-5 at Dana Point.
Option 3: A third car route is possible. Take Hwy. 91 to I-15 and head south at Corona. This route took us through wine country.
Los Angeles to San Diego By Bike or Walking
It is an estimated that you'll have to bike 142 miles from Los Angeles to San Diego by bicycle.
This bike ride offers challenges in hill climbing. The views are breathtaking, but you need to be in top notch physical shape...
