- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
4 h 10 m
Average duration
4 h 47 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
286 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from El Centro, 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 El Centro, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 3 buses that leave El Centro, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Aug 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct buses cover the 286 km distance in an average of 4 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the slowest buses will take 5 h 50 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from El Centro, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $137.
Distance: 177 miles (286 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $137 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 7m Average total duration 5h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from El Centro, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $95 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from El Centro, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $137.
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 37m.
Tickets start at around $42 compared to roughly $45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3. The journey takes 5h 37m versus 3h 38m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $92 |
The table below shows live departures for El Centro, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:40 AM El Centro, West State Street/ 7th Street, CA | 5h50 | 3:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:50 PM El Centro, West State Street/ 7th Street, CA | 4h10 | 10:00 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:50 PM El Centro, West State Street/ 7th Street, CA | 4h20 | 10:10 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 El Centro, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:05, the last at 18:00. The fastest bus covers the 177 miles (286 km) distance in 5h 50m.
Distance 177 miles (286 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 50m |
First bus 6:05 AM |
Last bus 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from El Centro, 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.

Most El Centro, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare El Centro, CA and Los Angeles, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
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