- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$169
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$202
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 18 h
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 22 h 3 m
Buses on Sep 19
8
Distance
2299 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA will cost around $202 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $169.
It's difficult to get from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
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· · · Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $206 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 42h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $206, while a bus costs an average of $206.
Distance: 1428 miles (2299 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$206 Average price Cheapest | $358 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
42h 30m Average total duration Fastest 42h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 25h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $206 compared to roughly $358 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $152. The journey takes 42h 0m versus 25h 6m 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 06:00AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 55h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 58h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 42h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $162 |
The table below shows live departures for Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus+ · | 6:00 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 55h45 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 6:00 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 56h20 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 6:00 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 54h05 | 10:05 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 6:00 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 54h25 | 10:25 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 4 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 9:20 AM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 58h25 | 5:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 7:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 54h15 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 7:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 48h45 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 4 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 7:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 42h20 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 7:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 42h55 | 12:30 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 7:35 PM Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.), IA | 42h00 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 42h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $179 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:45, the last at 19:35. The fastest bus covers the 1428 miles (2299 km) distance in 37h 25m.
Distance 1428 miles (2299 km) |
Average bus duration 42h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $179 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 37h 25m |
First bus 6:45 AM |
Last bus 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines, IA to San Diego, CA buses use the Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s). Use this guide to compare Des Moines, IA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) is 3 km from Des Moines city centre. Public transport options include:
Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.). ATMs are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Ticket office support is available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.).
Available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Des Moines, E Euclid Ave (Clark Lift Of Des Moines, Inc.): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
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.
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, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s) is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s). ATMs are available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s).
Available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s): Accessible paths available.
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