- 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
$77
Average price
$89
Fastest journey
12 h 40 m
Average duration
13 h 55 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
732 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Oakland, CA 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 Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 12 buses that leave Oakland, CA for San Diego, CA on Mon, Aug 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct buses cover the 732 km distance in an average of 13 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 40 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest buses will take 14 h 52 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.
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4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner

4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific SurflinerBuses from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 19 times per day, taking around 13h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 454 miles (732 km) distance in 12h 25m.
Distance 454 miles (732 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 |
Buses per day 19 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 25m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 07:07PM | Duration 14h32 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:51PM | Duration 15h41 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 12:52PM | Duration 14h52 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $99 |
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:35 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 14h32 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:35 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 14h17 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:00 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 16h50 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:00 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 17h25 | 12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h57 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h41 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:00 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h07 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:00 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 14h52 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 12h40 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 13h15 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Oakland, West Oakland BART 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 Oakland, CA 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