- 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.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Montclair, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $45 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 4h 34m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, while a train costs an average of $73.
Distance: 98 miles (159 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 34m Average total duration Fastest 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration 4h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Montclair, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Montclair, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $73.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 49m.
Tickets start at around $45 compared to roughly $24 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.05. The journey takes 4h 4m versus 1h 49m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $41 |
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 Montclair, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (159 km) distance in 6h 40m.
Distance 98 miles (159 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 6h 40m |
First bus 4:20 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Montclair, 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 Montclair, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking) 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 Montclair, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking) is 2 km from Montclair city centre. Public transport options include:
Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking). ATMs are available at Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking).
Ticket office support is available at Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking).
Available at Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Montclair, Richton Street (Montclair Transcenter Paking): Station is wheelchair accessible.
Montclair, Moreno And Lindero E is 1 km from Montclair city centre. Public transport options include:
Montclair, Moreno And Lindero E has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Montclair, Moreno And Lindero E. ATMs are available at Montclair, Moreno And Lindero E.
Ticket office support is available at Montclair, Moreno And Lindero E.
Available at Montclair, Moreno And Lindero E: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Montclair, Moreno And Lindero E: Wheelchair accessible bus stops.
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.
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