About Calipatria
Located in California, very close to the Mexican border, this small desert city has a population of 7 thousand. Calipatria is located 160 km from San Diego and 37 km from El Centro. The city is part of the El Centro Metropolitan Area. It is one of America’s areas that urbanized later on. Calipatria received ‘city’ status in 1914 by the Imperial Valley Farm Lands Association; the small settlement’s first post office was also established at that time.
Despite being in the desert the city attracts attention for getting by on agriculture. Due to its location 55 meters below sea level, the city erected the world’s tallest flagpole (where the flag lies at sea level) in order to raise the American flag above sea level. This massive flagpole is one of the most remarkable features of the city. The Salvation Mountain, located in the north of Calipatria, is the region’s most touristic place. It is actually a very intriguing small hill that was decorated using thousands of gallons of paint.
Among places to visit around the city are the Calipatria Park, Lake Cahuilla County Park, Agua Caliente County Park, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. While the Alford Auto Museum, General Patton Memorial Museum, and Coachella Valley History Museum might not be located in the city center they are close enough to visit and well-worth it. Calipatria has a semi-desert climate with high amounts of sunshine year-round. The Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport is located 2 km from the city center. Since it is so close to the city center you can take a taxi from the airport. In addition to this airport, the Imperial County Airport, located 37 km from the city center, is also used to reach Calipatria.
Transportation to Calipatria City Center from Airport
Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport
The airport in Calipatria, located in the state of California in the United States of America, is in 2 kilometers north of the city center. The airport, which is very close to the city center, is not used for local and international flights.
If you want to go to Calipatria easily, you can fly to San Diego, one of the largest and most developed cities in the United States. San Diego is located near Calipatria.
After arriving at San Diego International Airport, you can reach Calipatria city center in about 4 hours by taking advantage of various transfer options such as tram, bus, and taxi.
Tram
Upon your arrival at San Diego International Airport, you can transfer directly to Washington Street station, where you can take the tram and reach the departure stops of the buses that will take you to the Calipatria. The ride to El Cajon station that takes about 45 minutes is both comfortable and economic with affordable prices. Once you get off the tram, you can continue your journey by bus, or you can go on your journey to Calipatria by taking a taxi directly, even if it is a much more costly alternative to the bus.
Bus
After arriving at San Diego Airport, you can reach Calipatria by taking bus and taxi transfer options. To do so, you should first take the El Centro bus at the airport. Once you arrive at El Centro, you should take a taxi to get to Calipatria. The journey by bus and taxi transfer will take approximately four hours in total.
Another alternative to reach Calipatria by bus is to take the tram first and then get off at El Cajon, the transfer point where you can take a bus to El Centro. The buses to El Centro will take you directly to the Calipatria area. So, you can find a taxi as soon as you get off the bus and you can reach the city center with a few transfers but cheaper.
Taxi
If you don't want to wait too long, you can take directly a taxi at San Diego International Airport to reach Calipatria in about 3 hours. However, traveling without bus or tram transfer could be extremely costly. Also, you can bargain with a taxi driver at the airport and so you can enjoy going to Calipatria by a less costly taxi ride. Please keep in mind that your journey to Calipatria will always be more expensive compared to bus or tram transfer on this route, even if you negotiate with the driver about the taxi fare in advance.
Rent a car
If you prefer a more comfortable and independent transfer option from the airport to Calipatria, you can rent a car in San Diego. Moreover, car rental and fuel charges in the country are quite reasonable. However, there is one thing that we can say car rental could be a disadvantageous option. After a long and tiring flight, you will need to drive about 3 hours from the airport to Calipatria. If you wish, you can take a break from driving and rest for a more comfortable ride. In this case, it may take a little longer for you to reach Calipatria.
Private Transfer Service
The passengers arriving at San Diego International Airport and heading to Calipatria can also choose to travel by private transfer services. Although it is not as much preferred as the bus and tram options, you can reach the city center in much less time and you can save at least one hour. The transfer services offer a comfortable and fast journey, but they are more costly compared to the bus and tram options. For this reason, it is hardly preferred by passengers who prefer more reasonable transfer alternatives. However, if you choose to travel to Calipatria by private transfer services after arriving at San Diego International Airport, you can make arrangements with a local tour company in advance, or get assistance in finding an affordable transfer service from the hotel you are going to stay.
