- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
182 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from La Mesa, 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 La Mesa, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 2 buses that leave La Mesa, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct buses cover the 182 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest buses will take 3 h 20 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.




Buses from La Mesa, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 34 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 32 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 113 miles (182 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 113 miles (182 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 34 |
Direct buses 32 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:57PM | Duration 3h27 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for La Mesa, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:35 PM La Mesa, CA | 3h20 | 11:55 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 PM La Mesa, CA | 3h20 | 12:55 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 La Mesa, 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 La Mesa, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the San Diego to Hantington Park station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare La Mesa, 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.
Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking is 4 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking. ATMs are available at Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking.
Available at Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking: Basic accessability through ramps.
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