- 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
€16
Average price
€18
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
123 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around €18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €16.
Of the 3 buses that leave Irvine, CA for San Diego, CA on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 123 km distance in an average of 1 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 1 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €23.
Distance: 76 miles (123 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€23 Average price Cheapest | €24 Average price | €15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 24m Average total duration 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is €1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €24.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 54m.
You'll arrive about -1h -33m sooner (1h 54m by bus vs 1h 21m by car) and save roughly €-8.08 compared to fuel and tolls (€23 vs €15). 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 FlixBus, Infobus.
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 Amtrak | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €18 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €38 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:24AM | Arrival Time 08:34AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:29AM | Arrival Time 08:34AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 09:49AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:44AM | Arrival Time 10:19AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 10:59AM | Arrival Time 12:39PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:04AM | Arrival Time 12:39PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 02:39PM | Arrival Time 03:49PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 02:44PM | Arrival Time 04:19PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:09PM | Arrival Time 06:19PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:14PM | Arrival Time 07:19PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:09PM | Arrival Time 08:49PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:14PM | Arrival Time 09:19PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:09PM | Arrival Time 11:19PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:14PM | Arrival Time 10:49PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €16 |
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 AM Irvine, CA | 1h15 | 4:45 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 AM Irvine, CA | 1h15 | 5:45 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €14 if you book in advance.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 76 miles (123 km) distance in 1h 15m.
Distance 76 miles (123 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price €14 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 1h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) to San Diego station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). Use this guide to compare Irvine, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) is 3 km from Irvine city centre. Public transport options include:
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr). ATMs are available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr).
Ticket office support is available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr).
Available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr): Accessible to persons with disabilities.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need