- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum complex with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and sweeping city views. One of Los Angeles's signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$21
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Buses per day
2
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 $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 2 buses that leave Carlsbad, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Jun 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 the direct buses cover the 129 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Thu, Jun 04 the slowest buses will take 2 h 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.




Omio 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 bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $31.
Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m 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 bus is $0.56 (€0.45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $32 (€25).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 41m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan 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 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 05:36AM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 10:36AM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 12:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 02:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 04:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 06:36PM | Duration 1h46 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 08:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 09:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 10:56PM | Duration 2h06 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:20 AM Carlsbad, CA | 2h00 | 5:20 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:20 AM Carlsbad, CA | 2h00 | 6:20 AM 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 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 |
Discover the best of Los Angeles — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
Hilltop art museum complex with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and sweeping city views. One of Los Angeles's signature cultural attractions.
The largest art museum in the western United States, known for broad global collections and the iconic Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles with works by major postwar and living artists. Highly popular and often timed-entry based.
Classic Southern California waterfront area with ocean views, rides, and beach access. Extremely popular for sunsets and photos.
Famous beachfront promenade known for street performers, skate culture, murals, and a distinctively energetic Los Angeles atmosphere.
One of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering trails, picnic areas, viewpoints, and access to major attractions.
Roast beef on a crusty roll, typically dipped in savory jus. A classic Los Angeles sandwich strongly associated with the city’s early downtown dining culture.
Small corn-tortilla tacos filled with meats such as carne asada or al pastor, topped simply with onion, cilantro, and salsa. They reflect Los Angeles’s deep Mexican culinary heritage.
A late-night Los Angeles street-food staple, usually grilled on a cart and served with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. It is iconic around concerts and sports venues.
Acclaimed fine-dining seafood restaurant offering refined tasting menus and one of Los Angeles’s top special-occasion experiences.
Trendy Arts District restaurant known for house-made charcuterie, pasta, and wood-fired dishes in a stylish industrial setting.
Historic casual restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles, famous for the French dip sandwich and old-school counter-service atmosphere.
Los Angeles is expensive for visitors, especially hotels, parking, and dining. Budget options exist, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
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.

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