- 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 on Sep 19
$270
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$281
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 d 6 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 d 8 h 43 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
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 $281 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $270.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 2794 km distance in an average of 2 d 8 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 6 h 20 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 2 d 11 h 5 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 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 an average ticket price of $365 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $365, while a flight costs an average of $615.
Distance: 1736 miles (2794 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$365 Average price Cheapest | $615 Average price | $422 Average price | $436 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
52h 38m Average total duration 52h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 43m Average total duration Fastest 6h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 47h 58m Average total duration 47h 28m 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 $57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA costing on average $422.
A bus is $250 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA costing on average $615.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 47h 28m.
Bus takes on average 52h 8m.
Tickets start at around $365 compared to roughly $436 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $70. The journey takes 52h 8m versus 30h 30m 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.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 76h10 | 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 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 58h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $232 |
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, Sat | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 59h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $270 |
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:20 PM Milwaukee, WI | 54h20 | 9:40 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 52h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $216 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:20, the last at 21:55. The fastest bus covers the 1736 miles (2794 km) distance in 46h 30m.
Distance 1736 miles (2794 km) |
Average bus duration 52h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $216 |
Buses per day 17 |
Fastest bus 46h 30m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 9:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 2 days |
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 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.
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and vending machines available.
Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station.
Available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: ADA compliant with elevators and ramps.
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) is 10 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food options are available within the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). ATMs are aTMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop).
Available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): The station is accessible with facilities for disabled passengers.
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.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need