- Recommended
Craig Krull Gallery
Contemporary art gallery on Main Street showing changing exhibitions by emerging and established artists in a calm, intimate setting.
Cheapest price on 01 Oct
£20
Average ticket price on 01 Oct
£22
Fastest journey on 01 Oct
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 01 Oct
3 h 24 m
Buses on 01 Oct
6
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £20.
On Thu 01 Oct, we found 6 buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA, including 6 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
The slowest buses will take 4 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA coaches for today, Wednesday 30 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 15:51 San Diego, CA | 2h45 | 18:36 Santa Monica, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 17:51 San Diego, CA | 3h05 | 20:56 Santa Monica, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 19:51 San Diego, CA | 2h45 | 22:36 Santa Monica, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 20:20 San Diego, CA | 4h00 | 0:20 Santa Monica, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 1 October | |||||
![]() | 2:35 San Diego, CA | 2h45 | 5:20 Santa Monica, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:45 San Diego, CA | 3h05 | 17:50 Santa Monica, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:45 San Diego, CA | 3h35 | 19:20 Santa Monica, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, flight and train 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.
Buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA run on average 31 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
There are 31 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 191 km distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 191 km |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 31 |
Direct buses 31 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Santa Monica, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Monica, CA trip today.
Contemporary art gallery on Main Street showing changing exhibitions by emerging and established artists in a calm, intimate setting.
Long-running contemporary gallery known for ambitious shows across painting, sculpture and photography. A respected stop for art lovers.
Small but strong collection of California and American art near the beach. A rewarding stop for painting, photography and rotating exhibitions.
Wide sandy beach with a paved path, volleyball courts and classic California sunsets. A must for walking, cycling and people-watching.
Clifftop linear park with palms, benches and sweeping Pacific views. Ideal for a scenic walk above the beach and pier.
Pedestrian-friendly shopping street with performers, public art and easy access to the beach. Worth visiting for atmosphere and urban energy.
A classic Southern California breakfast burrito with eggs, potatoes, cheese and salsa. Common across Santa Monica and loved for its hearty beach-day appeal.
Fresh Pacific fish, often grilled or battered, tucked into corn tortillas with cabbage and salsa. A coastal staple shaped by nearby Mexican food traditions.
Crisp tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and guacamole, jalapeños and salsa. A relaxed Westside favourite for sharing at bars and beachside spots.
Elegant oceanfront restaurant focused on seasonal California cuisine and refined service with sweeping sea views.
Popular Japanese spot specialising in fresh sushi and sashimi with a modern yet easy-going atmosphere.
Historic diner near the pier known for classic American breakfasts and pies in a relaxed, nostalgic setting.
Santa Monica is pricier than many US beach cities, with high hotel rates, dining costs and parking; public transport can help trim visitor spending.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if service is good.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA by coach. 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 coach, 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.

Most San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA buses use the San Diego to station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Santa Monica, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Diego has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There are fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego. ATMs are available at San Diego.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego.
Available at San Diego: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.