- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
1 h 46 m
Average duration
1 h 58 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
129 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 4 buses that leave Carlsbad, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Sat, Aug 01, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct buses cover the 129 km distance in an average of 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 46 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest buses will take 2 h 5 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.








Buses from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 80 miles (129 km) distance in 1h 46m.
Distance 80 miles (129 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 46m |
First bus 5:10 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 05:36AM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 10:56AM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 02:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 04:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 09:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 10:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 6:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 2h06 | 8:56 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 2h06 | 10:56 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
![]() | 3:20 AM Carlsbad, CA | 2h00 | 5:20 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:50 AM Carlsbad, CA | 1h46 | 5:36 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:20 AM Carlsbad, CA | 2h00 | 6:20 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station). Use this guide to compare Carlsbad, CA and Los Angeles, 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