San Diego

Private car transfer
from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego

Door-to-door
in 2 hours
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Los Angeles International Airport.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 2 hours.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in San Diego.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 203 km
  • 2 hours

Overview: car trip from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego

It takes just under 2 hours to drive from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego, covering a distance of about 125 miles (201 km). Taking parts of the Pacific Coastal Highway (Highway 1) offers a more scenic route, treating you to cliffside views of the ocean below. With a Daytrip private transfer, you can stop along the way at some of California’s most iconic beaches, including Huntington Beach with its year-round surf culture and famous pier, or Newport Beach, home to many a celebrity and a plethora of ice cream shops.

Your Daytrip transfer from the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) can also be a direct journey to San Diego if you prefer, with seamless airport pickup and drop off at your accommodation. Better than a standard taxi, your friendly and knowledgeable driver will help you with your luggage and ensure you have the smoothest transfer possible to provide a welcoming start to your time in California.

About San Diego

Once you’ve completed your transfer from the Los Angeles Airport to San Diego, you’ll find yourself in one of the most popular coastal cities in California. With over 70 miles of beaches, a world-renowned zoo, and seemingly unlimited art studios and gardens, there is truly something for every traveler.

San Diego is often referred to as the birthplace of California because it was the first West Coast entry point of Spanish settlers, where it had previously been inhabited solely by Kumeyaay Native Americans. The city was historically operated under Spanish colonial rule, and then Mexican rule, before officially becoming part of the U.S. in 1848 (just before the 1850 admission of California as a state).

This heritage is evident in the city’s rich international presence, Spanish colonial-style architecture, and widespread Hispanic and Latino culinary influences. Be sure to sample the classic dishes such as fish tacos and some of the city’s own Mexican-American fusion creations, like carne asada fries.

San Diego boasts a series of beautiful beaches that suit every coastal craving, from surfing to sunbathing. The city’s consistently temperate climate and 146 days of sun on average mean your visit promises ideal conditions for outdoor adventures or simply strolling around town. The city offers plenty of family-friendly activities, like spending a day picnicking in the huge open green spaces of Balboa Park or taking a trip to the famous San Diego Zoo to see its collection of over 12,000 species, including rare and endangered creatures.

From Los Angeles Airport to San Diego: travel tips

As you plan your transportation from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a simple, stress-free travel experience. As these are the two most populous cities in California, the most common routes between them can sometimes be affected by traffic and planning ahead is best, particularly if you will be transferring by car.

Choose a private driving transfer

To relieve the stress of navigating busy traffic around the airport, it can be a good idea to opt for a private car service. This allows you to make the most of the journey along the way through optional sightseeing stops, and to see parts of California you might otherwise miss.

With Daytrip, you will receive door-to-door service, directly from the airport to your accommodation or destination of choice in San Diego, and your friendly driver will assist you with your luggage on both ends (much less of a hassle than lugging suitcases on and off public transportation).

Communicate any issues or delays

When flying into Los Angeles, as with any other major airport, delays do happen from time to time. At Daytrip, the team understands that minor delays are sometimes out of travelers’ hands, which is why there is a free wait time of up to 1 hour for airport transfers. For longer delays, especially from international flight arrivals, you must communicate with the Daytrip team to prevent a missed pickup or other issues that could affect your trip.

How to get from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego

There are a few options for your Los Angeles Airport to San Diego transfer, including the public bus/airport shuttle service and the train. However, the most convenient way to cover the distance between LAX and San Diego is to drive, as this allows you the most flexibility in terms of route and any sightseeing you would like to pursue along the way.

Bus from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego

There are a few bus routes from LAX to San Diego, but you will need to anticipate a longer journey time. The LAX Linq airport shuttle service is the most direct route, taking just over 3 hours with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $75. There will sometimes be a transfer required to a second bus in central Los Angeles.

Train from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego

There is not a direct train route from LAX to San Diego, but it is possible to combine an airport shuttle bus (namely the LAX FlyAway-LAX2US) and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train to San Diego. The shuttle bus takes an hour and will drop you off at Union Station in Los Angeles. From there, the train takes an additional 3 hours to reach the San Diego city center, so it's not a fast option. In total, this trip can cost anywhere from $20-95 (last-minute tickets are more expensive!).

Group charters from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego

There are a few companies offering group van shuttles from LAX to San Diego, but the prices for these are widely variable and it is best to book well in advance to avoid any last-minute surges. Keep in mind that these group transportation options tend to be more expensive overall than public transit, and will not allow you to stop along the way for sightseeing as a private transfer will.

Private car transfer from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego

The most efficient way to get from the Los Angeles Airport to San Diego is with a private car transfer such as the one offered by Daytrip, giving you door-to-door service in less than 2 hours, making this the fastest choice.

This trip starts at $115 and you’ll arrive in San Diego with a local driver who can guide you to your accommodation safely and swiftly. This is also a great option for groups, as Daytrip offers larger vans to accommodate transfers with up to 7 passengers.

Transportation options at a glance from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego

  • Bus: 3-4 hours | $55-75 | Average of 1 transfer
  • Train: 4 hours min. | $20-95 | Minimum 1 transfer
  • Group Shuttle: 2-3 hours | Prices Vary
  • Private driving transfer: 2 hours door-to-door | $115 per passenger

Things to do when you get to San Diego

Sunny San Diego is known throughout the US and beyond for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, incredible food, and beautiful beaches. Once you’ve traveled from the Los Angeles Airport to San Diego, you are free to explore the many attractions of the “Birthplace of California”.

Enjoy the San Diego Zoo

No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the world-class San Diego Zoo, the #1 most visited zoo in the US and one of the top zoos globally! The zoo operates safari-style tours throughout its nearly 100-acre presence in Balboa Park, and visitors can expect to see everything from hippos and elephants to arctic exhibits with polar bears and penguins. The zoo also operates as a nonprofit conservation organization.

Visit the many art museums

San Diego is a wildly creative city and has an abundance of art museums and studios to show for it. You could easily spend a day (or more) roaming the San Diego Museum of Art to admire the 32,000 items on display. Or take the whole family to The New Children’s Museum for a colorful and interactive introduction to the world of art.

Soak up the sun on the beaches

San Diego’s coastline plays host to a wealth of public beaches, all perfect for soaking up the city’s warm weather and immersing yourself in California beach culture. Try Mission Beach for beautiful scenery and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, or head to Law Street Beach off Ocean Boulevard for some of the best sunsets on the West Coast.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Visit this iconic fixture of the San Diego Bay, which guided ships around the area from 1855 to 1891. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse sits on the southern edge of the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and is a short 26-minute trip from the heart of San Diego.

When is the best time to visit San Diego?

As you plan your journey from the Los Angeles Airport to San Diego, it is worth considering the best season for your trip. San Diego offers a uniquely consistent climate all year round. Summers hover around 76-78° F (24.5-26° C), and winters are mild with highs of 66-67° F (19-20° C), meaning the ideal travel time will have more to do with avoiding the summer tourism crowds than seeking the ideal weather.

The best bet for finding deals on flights and accommodation is to visit in the spring from March to April, or in the fall from September to November. This means you will beat the crowds and likely avoid the (slightly) rainier winter months.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego

There are shuttle buses from the LAX airport that can either take you to San Diego after a transfer to a second bus in downtown LA or be combined with the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train to reach your destination in San Diego.
The fastest route from Los Angeles Airport to San Diego is a 2-hour drive, which is often easiest with a private car transfer service such as Daytrip. This transportation option offers sightseeing stops along the way or direct door-to-door service from LAX Arrivals to your accommodation in San Diego.
San Diego is an incredibly popular travel destination due to its pristine beaches, year-round warm weather, and world-class attractions such as the famous San Diego Zoo and the plethora of art museums and studios. The city also offers a diverse palate of Mexican and Latino-influenced cuisine, making it an essential stop for foodies.
The most common airport shuttle bus route from LAX to San Diego costs $55-75 and can take around 3-4 hours, sometimes involving a transfer to a second bus in downtown Los Angeles.
San Diego is a popular surf destination, and some of the best beaches for trying your hand at the sport are Oceanside Beach and Pacific Beach. Note that other spots such as La Jolla Windansea have a bigger break that is not recommended for beginner surfers.
Without a rental car, the best option for getting from LAX to San Diego is with Daytrip's private transfer service. You'll be brought door-to-door without even having to lift your luggage. Alternatively, take the LAX Linq shuttle bus service from the airport to downtown LA, and then continue on the same line to your destination in San Diego. This option takes 3-4 hours and will cost you around $55-75.

Visit these sights on the way

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach

With its year-round swells rolling beneath its world-famous pier, this beach city lives and breathes surfing. Surf City USA 

Newport Beach

Newport Beach

Movie stars, surf, and ice cream bars. Life is good in America’s most affluent city. The Sweet Life 

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano

California’s oldest neighborhood is awash with historic charms, and for half the year, migrating swallows. A Wing and a Prayer 

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Harbor

This quiet seaside city and its small beach are still largely undeveloped, leaving it the only romantic place left on the coast. Baby Please 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 139 travelers took this route with us
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024
Oct 5, 2024

Great day

The ride was fantastic. The diver was great, he was on time, very informative, and could not have been nicer. Definitely would do again

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N
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Steve N

Oct 5, 2024
Sep 30, 2024

Exactly what they promised

We used Daytrip.com for 4 trips within Italy. This door-to-door service is not inexpensive. That said: All 4 drivers arrived on time. All spoke fluent English. All were excellent drivers, and all were kind and considerate. Lots of other things went wrong on this trip, but Daytrip.com did exactly what they promised.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Curious51658572354
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Curious51658572354

Sep 30, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Los Angeles International Airport to San Diego

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,700+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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