- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Cheapest price
$141
Average price
$176
Fastest journey
2 d 12 h 10 m
Average duration
2 d 12 h 40 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
3167 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA will cost around $176 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
It's difficult to get from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
+
FlixBus+
+
FlixBus
+
FlixBus+
·
FlixBus+
· ·
+
FlixBus+
+
FlixBus
· · ·
FlixBus+
· ·
+
FlixBus+
·
+
FlixBus+
+
FlixBus
FlixBus+
· ·
+
FlixBus+
· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $144. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.0 - 2.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $144, and a flight costs an average of $193.
Distance: 1967 miles (3167 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$225 Average price Cheapest | $575 Average price | $267 Average price | $474 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
50h 20m Average total duration 49h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 47m Average total duration Fastest 5h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 51h 36m Average total duration 51h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 33h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
3.2 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | 9.5 - 19.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $42 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average $267 (€219).
A bus is $350 (€286) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average $575 (€471).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 49h 50m.
Train takes on average 51h 6m.
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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 74h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $201 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 65h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 66h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 62h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 60h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 66h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 62h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $234 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 60h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $156 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 73h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $239 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 66h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 68h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $145 |
The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · · | 7:15 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 60h10 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 7:15 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 62h05 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 7:15 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 60h55 | 5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 8:20 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 61h00 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 8:20 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 60h50 | 6:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ · | 8:20 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 60h25 | 5:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 8:20 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 64h55 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 49h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $144 (€118) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:40, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1967 miles (3167 km) distance in 58h 25m.
Distance 1967 miles (3167 km) |
Average bus duration 49h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $144 (€118) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 58h 25m |
First bus 6:40 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Balboa Park art museum known for Spanish old masters, South Asian works, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark building.
Leading contemporary art museum with major postwar and current works, especially strong in Southern California and Pacific Rim artists.
Vast cultural park with gardens, museums, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, walking paths, and some of San Diego's best photo spots.
Scenic cove known for sea lions, clear water, coastal cliffs, and highly shareable sunset and ocean-view walks.
Wide sandy beach beside the Hotel del Coronado, popular for walking, photography, and classic Southern California scenery.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A signature coastal San Diego staple with strong Baja influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night and casual foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shop culture.
Popular waterfront seafood restaurant serving fresh local catch, fish tacos, and sandwiches in a relaxed harbor setting near the fishing fleet.
Historic, no-frills Mexican restaurant famous for house-made tortillas, rolled tacos, and comforting traditional plates. A beloved local institution with a classic atmosphere.
Iconic casual spot in Ocean Beach known for oversized burgers, fries, and a lively beach-town vibe. A long-standing San Diego favorite.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels, dining, and parking near the coast and downtown.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need