How to Get to LAX From San Diego on the Cheap
Wondering how to get to LAX from San Diego? Traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego? It's only 124 miles, about 2 hours and 19 miles to drive from San Diego to LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).
But those two hours can easily become four hours or more if you hit traffic. And LA traffic is a pain.
Sitting stuck in traffic when you have a flight to catch is not only nerve-wracking but it's not how you want to spend your vacation or start a business trip.
Thankfully, there are ways to avoid that nightmare.
Here's how to get to LAX from San Diego from the cheapest ways to the easiest ways and all the ways in between. These same ways can get you from San Diego to LAX.
Keep reading the ultimate guide on how to get to LAX from San Diego. These are the best ways to get from Los Angeles to San Diego.
How to Get to LAX From San Diego on the Cheap
1. Have a Friend Give You a Ride
The cheapest way to get to LAX from San Diego is to have a friend give you a ride. But keep in mind, this will either make or break the friendship.
So you'll want to ask a close friend. Or someone who owes you a favor. You can even ask your partner. Yeah, right. 🙂
There's no way Jeff is going to drive me up to LAX and then drive home again. It's not going to happen. But that's okay, I get it. Because I wouldn't do it for him either.
Cost: $0
Pro-tip: Take your friend to dinner, buy a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer when you get back as a thank you.
2. Go by Bus
If you have a lot of time and are skint, cheap, or want an adventure, you can go by bus to LAX from San Diego.
Let me clarify. You can take a lot of buses to LAX from San Diego and from Los Angeles back to San Diego. Keep in mind that the bus routes are affected by traffic.
If you have a lot of luggage or are checking a big bag, you should avoid taking the bus. But if you really want to, here's the route:
- San Diego to Oceanside Transit Center: takes 53 minutes and costs $6.50
- Oceanside to San Clemente via Amtrak - (bus service has stopped so you have to take Amtrak from Oceanside to San Clemente): takes 21 minutes and costs $12 for coach and $22 for Business Class
- San Clemente to Long Beach: takes 2 hours 12 to 21 minutes and costs $2
- Long Beach to LAX: takes 1 hour 18 to 24 minutes and costs $1.75
Cost: $22.25 or $32.25
Pro-tip: This trip takes about 5 ½ hours.
You'll save almost 2 hours by skipping the San Clemente and Long Beach buses if you take Amtrak from Oceanside to LAX Union Station (see #4 below). You avoid having to get to the bus stations and skip the hassle of changing buses.
3. Take Metrolink
If you live in North County or can get to North County easily, you can take Metrolink from Oceanside to LAX Union Station one way for $16.75.
From Union Station, you can take the Flyaway Bus for $9.75 each way. Or you can Uber. Sign up for Uber using my Uber referral link and get free rides. 🙂
Pro-tip: If you don't live in North County, you can take the Coaster from San Diego to Oceanside for $6.50.
Metrolink is a business commuter train. So it's pretty bare bones and doesn't offer Wi-Fi.
Cost: $26.50 including Flyaway Bus; $33 from San Diego
Pro-tip: You buy a weekend day pass for $10.
If you're flying on the weekend, Metrolink is the second cheapest option if you want to travel between Los Angeles and San Diego.
4. Use Amtrak
If you can't find a buddy who's willing to schlep you to LAX and then endure the drive back home, you can use Amtrak to get to LAX from San Diego. Plus it reduces your carbon footprint.
You'll take the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to LAX Union Station.
Pro-tip: Once you get to Union Station, you have to get to LAX. From Union Station take the Fly-Away Bus to LAX for $9.75.
From Union Station, you can take the Flyaway Bus for $9.75 each way. This is the least expensive way.
Amtrak has several stations throughout San Diego County:
- Carlsbad - Poinsettia (POI)
- Carlsbad - Village (CBV)
- Encinitas (ENC)
- Oceanside (OSD)
- San Diego (SAN)
- San Diego - Old Town (OLT)
- San Diego - Sorrento Valley (SRB)
- Solana Beach (SOL)
It's easy and convenient, you can read or work, there's free Wi-Fi, and you avoid traffic. Plus if you sit on the right side you can enjoy beach views and check the surf. I usually take the train to get to LAX from San Diego. And then when I fly into LAX, I take the train back from LAX to San Diego.
Unless I have an early morning flight, one that leaves before 7 am. Then I do a one-way car rental (see #5).
The price of your ticket depends on what station you board the train. Longer journeys cost more than shorter trips.
If you start in San Diego at the Santa Fe Depot (SAN) you'll pay $37. But if you catch the train in Oceanside, you only pay $28 for a coach ticket.
Cost: unreserved coach seat including Flyaway Bus $38 to $47
Cost: Business Class reserved seat including Flyaway Bus $52 to $66
Pro-tip: Save money by taking the Coaster from San Diego to Oceanside for $6 then book your Amtrak ticket to Union Station.
Or you can Uber. Sign up for Uber using my Uber referral link and get free rides. 🙂
5. Book a One-Way Car Rental
For early morning flights that depart before 8 am, Metrolink and Amtrak aren't an option so you should book a one-way car rental to get to LAX from San Diego.
You can rent a car from companies like Avis and Hertz and drop it off at LAX. This is called a one-way car rental.
Unlike a round-trip rental where you can save hundreds of dollars by renting from off-site, non-airport locations, a one-way rental is cheaper at the airport than non-airport locations. Not $5 cheap car rentals, but less expensive.
Remember to fill the tank before you return the rental car.
Cost: $25 to 65
Pro-tip: Make sure you read the fine print. Some companies charge a drop-off fee on one-way rentals.
6. Take Uber or Lyft
You take Uber or Lyft to get to LAX from San Diego. Yep, you can rideshare from San Diego to LAX.
There are a couple of downsides. First, there may not be an Uber or Lyft available in your area. You should request a ride at least 30 minutes before you want to leave.
Your Uber rate will vary depending on where you're picked up in San Diego. Like Amtrak, the closer you are to LAX, the cheaper the price.
So North County residents will pay less than if you're coming from the South Bay, East County or downtown San Diego.
The second downside of using rideshare to get to LAX is traffic.
Cost: UberX $103 to $202
Pro-tip: Get $20 off your ride when you sign-up for Uber using my Uber referral link.
7. Fly
The fastest way to get from Lax to San Diego and San Diego to LAX is to fly.
You'll avoid traffic, rental car hassle, public transportation, and having to beg your friends for a ride.
Try to book a ticket on the same airline as the one you're flying out of LAX on. This way you won't have to change terminals and will only have to go through security once.
If you are flying on a different airline, you may have to change terminals, go through security, and recheck any checked bags.
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines used to offer flights from San Diego to Los Angeles. But now only United and Delta offer commuter flights from San Diego to Los Angeles. You can search these websites for cheap flights.
Allow for extra time if you have to change terminals. Because if you have to change terminals, you will have to go through security again.
Cost: $115 and up
Pro-tip: If you check a bag, you'll have to go back through security. And you will also have to recheck your bag at LAX.
8. Reserve a Shuttle
There are private shuttle companies that you can take to LAX from San Diego but you have to reserve a shuttle in advance.
Prices vary depending on the company so you should call around. Gratuity is not included and most drivers will expect a tip.
Cost: $179 to $335
Pro-tip: Book a private shuttle vs a shared shuttle. With a shared ride, the shuttle will make several stops on the way to the airport.
When you book a private shuttle to get you to LAX from San Diego and vice versa, the driver picks you up at your home or hotel and takes you straight to the airport. Think of it as a private driver airport service.
Conclusion
Looking for the best ways to get to or from LAX to San Diego? Did you find a cheap flight out of LAX and aren't sure how to get to LAX from San Diego? Want to know to travel between Los Angeles and San Diego?
Traveling between Los Angeles and San Diego can be easy when you know all your options. There are 8 different ways you can get from LAX to San Diego and vice versa:
1. Call a friend to give you a ride to LAX
2. If you have a lot of time you can go by bus
3. Take Metrolink to LAX from North County San Diego
4. You can use Amtrak to get to LAX and reduce your carbon footprint
5. If you have an early flight you can book a one-way car rental from San Diego to LAX
6. Avoid the hassle of a one-way rental and take Uber or Lyft
7. The fastest way to get to LAX from San Diego is to fly
8. Reserve a shuttle and enjoy the ride
Some of the ways are more convenient, while others can take an entire day. From asking a friend for a ride to flying, how you'll get to LAX from San Diego depends on how much time and money you're willing to spend.
Remember to pay with a credit card that gives you bonus travel rewards points like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
What's your favorite way to get to LAX from San Diego? Or from San Diego to LAX?
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How well I know this subject living in San Diego! I've researched all the options as you described and end up throwing up my hands! I recently flew on AA to LAX and spent the night at an airport hotel for my next day international flight. I could have saved a bunch of money if I had rented a car through Costco, On our return international flight and being tired, we had to change terminals and go through security, etc. to catch our flight from LAX to San. But, I hadn't taken the "puddle jumper" from San to LAX in years and now they have real jets and an Admirals Lounge.
Its the price we pay for living in paradise!
You know, it's like you looked at my travel woes for every post you've ever done. I'm bookmarking this because the last time I went from San Diego to LAX, it cost me an arm and a leg.
Or you can drive your own car, for just the price of gas, and park your car for the duration of your trip. That's going to be at least $10/day, but there are a few hotels in the area that will let you park your car free if you've paid for one overnight as a guest. That option might be better than flying or taking Uber from SAN to LAX.
I've never been to Lax or San Diego but I know now what to do if I need to. I love traveling for cheap and am always looking for tips.
Interesting you should mention this. My husband is always trying to get around to different airports in Southern California. RIght now he is trying to exchange a car in BUR that he got in SNA.
There are many great options here. I always travel with just a carry on so taking the bus or the train would be a good option for me.
Great tips! Luckily, I have a friend in the area, so I always just call her. 😉
I hope to travel from LAX to San Diego in the near future so thank you for this post! I will bookmark it so I can review the options that you mentioned .
Such great tips! Every time I go from LAX to SAN (or reverse) I sit in traffic for hours. I am doing Metrolink or Amtrak next time!
These are great tips to save money. I agree about booking for a ride 30 minutes before your scheduled time to leave when using Uber. Sometimes, it is super hard to get a ride.
These are all great cheap ways to get to LAX from San Diego. I would take Amtrak and take the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to LAX if I were there. It just seems to be the most convenient and cheapest way to make the trip. Thanks for sharing the travel tips.
These are all wonderful cheap ways to get around. I have never been to San Diego before. I have always wanted to go there though. Hopefully I can take a family trip there sometime.
This is a good article. Often it is cheaper to fly into one airport rather than another and when that happens you need to know econcomical ways to get to your final location.J
Hi Janeane,
Exactly right. 👍
I just did this trip in reverse, from LAX to San Diego. I hired a rental car one way and I would highly recommend it. Traffic can be a beast, but its a gorgeous drive!
Great tips for travelers. We always rent a car when we travel but going on a bus is a great idea.
I would totally take the Amtrak. I Have always wanted to ride on it but never have.
This is awesome! I never realized that there were so many different options! The Amtrak sounds fun!
I would love to go to both of those places for a vacation some day... And when I do, I'll have this helpful info to getting back and forth! that's quite a few transportation options you have, thanks!
Oh these comprehensive, informative & practical posts are my favourite! You've covered all the options! I'll be saving this for if/when I ever have to make the trip from LAX to San Diego, thanks!
This is really helpful tips and ideas. Those places are in my bucket list and I can't wait to go there with my husband.
These are very helpful tips. We normally rent a car when we travel out of town. It's easier to get to the airport and return it there. Thanks for sharing!
I could read your comparison posts like this all day long. I love all the thought and details you put into them. It really opens ones eyes to how many different options there are for travel as well as the pros and cons. 😉 I'm a fan!
This is great for those that travel! I bet it can be pretty aggravating traveling around the airport, especially during the busy hours.
This is all great advice, I am not from Cali but if I am ever there i will remember this for sure!!
Sometimes I wonder if I'd like living in a city for the culture but I'm not sure I could deal with the traffic and crowds all the time. Great tips to keep in mind for when I'm traveling.
Good information. Knowing the best travel information will really save money and help you make better travel decisions. Thanks for sharing. - Yolonda
Great tips! I’m planning a trip to San Diego and we have to fly into LAX from London. I think my kids would enjoy the Amtrak train. Then we can pick up a car in San Diego and not deal with the traffic. I’ve had some dreadful LA traffic experiences and not sure I can handle it right after a long flight.
This is absolutely a helpful tip for traveler so useful and many people would love this. I want to go in San Diego someday. Glad you share this
We have friends in San Diego and we would love to visit them someday. Thanks for the tips! Glad there are a lot of option to travel cheap to LAX.
These are great tips! I live in San Diego and often visit LA.. the traffic could be really bad in LA!
WOW! What great alternatives to being stuck in traffic for four hours. I don't live in CA but I've been in its traffic and it's pretty hellacious.
These are great tips! I've only flown into LAX once, but I will definitely pass this on to friends who travel often!
WOW! What a great tips for someone who lives in San Diego. There are lot of tips to travel.
I have spent some time in Southern California and have wondered where to find all of the transportation options- thanks for the great list! The bus looks like a good option if you are wanting to go on the cheap and get a "true" experience of the culture, as well. Great post!
So many great transportation options here. As someone always looking for budget friendly travel options, I really appreciate all of the different options you have provided here. Such a great list! While riding the bus in never my favorite option, our kids always seem to love it. I think they like the people watching aspect 🙂
Having lived in Europe for 6 years, I have to say that the US is seriously lacking (affordable) public transportation! It's nice that there are some options for it from LAX to San Diego, but not for those prices!
Great post and well put together. I have just driven there myself. It is a nice drive unless you get stuck in traffic.
This is a super practical transport guide for anyone going to San Diego.
I've never travelled to this area, but this is such a good prompt to understand wherever your are, there are lots of options for travel that don't have to break the budget. I think I always default to the easiest, but sometimes this is so expensive. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, what a handy tip sheet. If I ever need to travel to LAX from San Diego I know where to go. Thanks.
It sounds like the train or metro is the way to go! Unless a very good friend is free of course. Thanks for the helpful tips!
These are good routes to know. I've never been to the west coast, but definitely wanting to go to both of these places 🙂
May be I can hire a car... 🙂 The drive should be scenic I guess.
Very practical helpful guide for those wanting to get there.
You convinced me.....I would definitely take the train especially if it passes on the beach (very cool)! I'm lucky to live only 10 minutes by car from the airport. I can't imagine being stuck in traffic for that long!
When you take the train up to Union Station, how do you normally make it over to LAX? Do you take the bus?
Hi Richard Clayton,
From Union Station, you can take the Flyaway Bus for $9.75 each way. Or you can Uber.
Tesloop is now an option too. They claim prices start at $29 but I've only seen mostly $59 from Sorrento Valley to LAX.
Hi Rommel,
Unfortunately, in October, Tesloop stopped their shuttle service.
NCTD has discontinued their Oceanside-San Clemente bus service, and converted it to a FLEX route that ends at Camp San Onofre. This happened on October 8, 2017, so you might want to mention that. However, OCTA still operates Route 1 from San Clemente to Long Beach.
I live in Solana Beach and I have been using a private shuttle for years to go from and to LAX.
What you don't mention is that the Surfliner doesn't go to LAX, it goes to Union Station, which is about an hour from the airport. How do you then get from Union Station to LAX? This is a pretty critical thing to not mention, and while I'd like to take the train, it seems expensive and impractical because of this issue.
Hi Cayley Rice,
I do mention it in the Pro-tip section "Pro-tip: Take the Fly-Away Bus from Union Station to LAX for $9.75." But perhaps it's not clear. I'll edit the post so it's more obvious. Thanks for the suggestion.
Seinfeld has made the airport ride famous and it really takes a good friend to give you that ride. These are all good alternatives and hopefully your trip goes smoothly.
Hi Melissa,
LOL, that was a great episode. Glad you liked the tips.
These are some great travel alternatives! Travel can get so expensive!
Hi Bri,
It certainly can, that's why I love finding and share all the way to travel more, spend less. 😉