- 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
$138
Average price
$175
Fastest journey
2 d 7 h 35 m
Average duration
2 d 8 h
Buses per day
21
Distance
2794 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA will cost around $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
It's difficult to get from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $194. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $194, and a train costs an average of $224.
Distance: 1736 miles (2794 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$260 Average price Cheapest | $262 Average price | $347 Average price | $430 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
48h 57m Average total duration 48h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 22m Average total duration Fastest 5h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 47h 52m Average total duration 47h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA costing on average $262 (€215).
A bus is $87 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA costing on average $347 (€284).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 47h 22m.
Bus takes on average 48h 27m.
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 01:05AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 66h15 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $194 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 64h40 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $280 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 58h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 57h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 58h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $232 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 60h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 56h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 60h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $279 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 57h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $238 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 55h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 74h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 70h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $151 |
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI 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+ · · | 9:00 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 58h10 | 5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:00 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 57h25 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:20 AM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 57h05 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:20 AM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 57h50 | 5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:20 AM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 59h00 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 11:50 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 60h25 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 11:50 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 56h20 | 6:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 11:50 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 55h55 | 5:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 11:50 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 56h30 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 12:10 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 56h00 | 6:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 12:10 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 60h05 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 12:10 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 56h10 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 12:10 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 55h35 | 5:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 48h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $194 (€159) but you can travel from only $164 (€134) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 03:20, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 1736 miles (2794 km) distance in 54h 20m.
Distance 1736 miles (2794 km) |
Average bus duration 48h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $194 (€159) |
Buses per day 16 |
Fastest bus 54h 20m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal Station to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare Milwaukee, WI 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