- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a flight costs an average of €109.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€24 Average price Cheapest | €32 Average price | €301 Average price | €20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is €8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €32.
A bus is €277 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €301.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 54m.
Bus takes on average 3h 10m.
You'll arrive about -2h -14m sooner (3h 10m by bus vs 1h 56m by car) and save roughly €-4.06 compared to fuel and tolls (€24 vs €20). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €22 |
Compare bus, train, 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 East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 29 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €21 if you book in advance.
There are 28 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Buses per day 29 |
Direct buses 28 |
Fastest bus 2h 10m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 East Los Angeles, 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 East Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Hantington Park to San Diego station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare East Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need