- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$49
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$49
Fastest journey on Sep 14
1 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
1 h 46 m
Buses on Sep 14
8
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 $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 8 buses from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA, including 8 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 129 km distance in an average of 1 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 46 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 1 h 46 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.
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0Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $33 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 2h 25m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $33, while a bus costs an average of $46.
Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$46 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 38m Average total duration 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A train is $14 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $46 (€37).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 8m.
Tickets start at around $46 (€37) compared to roughly $26 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-20.76 (€-16.79). The journey takes 1h 55m versus 1h 36m 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.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 05:36AM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 10:36AM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 02:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 04:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 09:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 10:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 8:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 2h06 | 10:56 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
0 | 8:50 AM Carlsbad, CA | 1h46 | 10:36 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:50 AM Carlsbad, CA | 1h46 | 12:36 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 12:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 2h06 | 2:56 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 2:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 1h46 | 4:36 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 4:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 1h46 | 6:36 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 6:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 1h46 | 8:36 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 6:50 PM Carlsbad, CA | 2h06 | 8:56 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 7 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 26m.
Distance 80 miles (129 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 1h 26m |
First bus 5:10 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Carlsbad to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. 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.
Carlsbad is 1 km from Carlsbad city centre. Public transport options include:
Carlsbad has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Carlsbad. ATMs are available at Carlsbad.
Ticket office support is available at Carlsbad.
Available at Carlsbad: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Carlsbad: Ramps available for wheelchairs.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need