- 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 flight as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $145. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $145, and a flight costs an average of $118.
Distance: 1605 miles (2583 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$280 Average price Cheapest | $600 Average price | $546 Average price | $377 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
46h 23m Average total duration 45h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 34m Average total duration Fastest 6h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 54h 51m Average total duration 54h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 26h 41m 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 New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $266 (€214) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA costing on average $546 (€440).
A bus is $320 (€257) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA costing on average $600 (€483).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 45h 53m.
Train takes on average 54h 21m.
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 12:10AM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 46h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 55h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $236 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 53h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $404 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 51h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 54h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 54h50 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $158 |
The table below shows live departures for New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:55 PM New Orleans, LA | 54h50 | 6:45 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 45h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $145 (€117) but you can travel from only $118 (€95) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 06:45, the last at 19:35. The fastest bus covers the 1605 miles (2583 km) distance in 39h 50m.
Distance 1605 miles (2583 km) |
Average bus duration 45h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $145 (€117) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 39h 50m |
First bus 6:45 AM |
Last bus 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 7 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 New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA buses use the New Orleans, LA to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). Use this guide to compare New Orleans, LA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
New Orleans, LA is 1 km from New Orleans city centre. Public transport options include:
New Orleans, LA has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at New Orleans, LA. ATMs are available at New Orleans, LA.
Ticket office support is available at New Orleans, LA.
Available at New Orleans, LA: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Orleans, LA: Station is wheelchair accessible.
Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) is 1 km from New Orleans city centre. Public transport options include:
Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr). ATMs are available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr).
Ticket office support is available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr).
Available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr): Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities.
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, 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.
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.
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