- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history. One of the city's most visited cultural attractions.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brea, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $292.
Distance: 93 miles (150 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $441 Average price | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 50m Average total duration 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 26m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 1h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brea, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brea, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $33 (€27).
A bus is $421 (€346) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brea, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $441 (€363).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 20m.
Flight takes on average 5h 26m.
Tickets start at around $20 (€16) compared to roughly $21 (€17) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $1 (€0.97). The journey takes 2h 20m versus 1h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $21 |
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Brea, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 39 times per day, taking around 2h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 37 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 93 miles (150 km) distance in 1h 15m.
Distance 93 miles (150 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 39 |
Direct buses 37 |
Fastest bus 1h 15m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history. One of the city's most visited cultural attractions.
Balboa Park's flagship art museum, known for European old masters, South Asian art, and major rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial building.
Contemporary art museum with a major La Jolla campus and strong collection of postwar and current works, plus ocean-view architecture and installations.
San Diego's signature urban park, filled with gardens, plazas, museums, and Spanish Colonial architecture. It is one of the city's essential places to explore.
A scenic coastal area known for sea lions, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most photographed ocean views in San Diego.
A popular waterfront walking area with bay views, promenades, and public spaces near downtown, especially appealing at sunset and on casual strolls.
Baja-style fish tacos are a San Diego staple, usually made with battered or grilled local fish, cabbage, crema, and salsa in a corn tortilla.
A classic San Diego burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa, reflecting the city’s Mexican borderland food culture.
A beloved local late-night dish of fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
An iconic casual spot in Barrio Logan known for house-made tortillas, rice, beans, and traditional Mexican plates with a no-frills atmosphere.
A long-running waterfront seafood market and eatery loved for fresh fish sandwiches, chowder, and a classic San Diego harbor setting.
A popular casual restaurant serving upscale fried chicken, sandwiches, and local beers in a lively indoor-outdoor setting.
San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near beaches and downtown.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brea, CA to San Diego, CA by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Brea, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Anaheim to San Diego station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare Brea, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need