- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
On Sun, Nov 01, we found 12 buses from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA, including 12 direct services.
On Sun, Nov 01 the direct buses cover the 125 km distance in an average of 1 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Sun, Nov 01 the slowest buses will take 1 h 35 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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Buses from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 16 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 77 miles (125 km) distance in 1h 0m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:24AM | Arrival Time 08:34AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:29AM | Arrival Time 07:34AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 10:49AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:44AM | Arrival Time 10:19AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:09AM | Arrival Time 01:19PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:14AM | Arrival Time 12:49PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 02:39PM | Arrival Time 04:19PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 02:44PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:09PM | Arrival Time 06:49PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:14PM | Arrival Time 06:49PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:09PM | Arrival Time 10:49PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:14PM | Arrival Time 10:49PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 6:24 AM Costa Mesa, CA | 2h10 | 8:34 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 6:29 AM Costa Mesa, CA | 1h05 | 7:34 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:39 AM Costa Mesa, CA | 2h10 | 10:49 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:44 AM Costa Mesa, CA | 1h35 | 10:19 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA with Futura Net, FlixBus, and Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus and Greyhound. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in San Diego, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego. Use this guide to compare Costa Mesa, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There are fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego. ATMs are available at San Diego.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego.
Available at San Diego: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.