- 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 17
$72
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$107
Fastest journey on Sep 17
11 h
Average journey duration on Sep 17
12 h 2 m
Buses on Sep 17
11
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 $107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 11 buses from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA, including 5 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 732 km distance in an average of 12 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 13 h 15 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.
FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $125 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 44m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $125, while a flight costs an average of $729.
Distance: 454 miles (732 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$125 Average price Cheapest | $191 Average price | $729 Average price | $102 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 33m Average total duration 14h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 19m Average total duration 14h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration Fastest 4h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $66 (€54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $191 (€155).
A bus is $604 (€491) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $729 (€593).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 3m.
Train takes on average 14h 49m.
Tickets start at around $125 (€102) compared to roughly $102 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.09 (€-18.79). The journey takes 14h 3m versus 7h 23m 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 12:35AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 16h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $96 |
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· + FlixBus | 7:25 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 21h00 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:25 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 22h55 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 11:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 13h15 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 12h40 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:35 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 11h20 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:35 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 11h55 | 12:30 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:35 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 11h00 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 16h15 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 15h45 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:00 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 17h25 | 12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 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 | |
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 Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 14h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) 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 11h 25m.
Distance 454 miles (732 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 25m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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 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, San Ysidro Transit Center station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). 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.
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station is 2 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station. ATMs are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Ticket office support is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Station is fully accessible with elevators.
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, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need