- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck views, and naval history exhibits. One of the city’s signature attractions.
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$154
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
9 h 24 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
481 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA will cost around $154 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
Of the 13 buses that leave Phoenix, AZ for San Diego, CA on Sun, May 24, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct buses cover the 481 km distance in an average of 9 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest buses will take 10 h 45 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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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $64.
Distance: 298 miles (481 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$79 Average price Cheapest | $209 Average price |
9h 54m Average total duration 9h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $130 (€105) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA costing on average $209 (€169).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 24m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA buses for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM Phoenix, Sky Train Station, AZ | 10h10 | 6:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM Phoenix, Sky Train Station, AZ | 14h15 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM Phoenix, Sky Train Station, AZ | 10h45 | 6:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:20 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 9h50 | 6:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:55 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 7h50 | 5:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:55 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 8h25 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
+ FlixBus | 10:25 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 12h20 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:25 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 13h25 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 10:25 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 11h50 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 9:50 PM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 13h55 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 9:50 PM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 14h30 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, May 24 | |||||
· + FlixBus | 1:25 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 15h00 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 1:25 AM Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) | 15h45 | 5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 9h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 298 miles (481 km) distance in 7h 45m.
Distance 298 miles (481 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck views, and naval history exhibits. One of the city’s signature attractions.
Balboa Park’s major art museum, known for European old masters, Asian art, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial Revival building.
Contemporary art museum with strong regional and international programming, especially noted for its oceanfront La Jolla location and modern exhibitions.
San Diego’s flagship urban park, packed with gardens, museums, Spanish Colonial architecture, plazas, and highly photogenic walking paths.
A scenic coastal area known for sea lions, cliffs, turquoise water, and one of the city’s most photographed ocean viewpoints.
The city’s best-known historic downtown district, lined with Victorian-era buildings, lively streets, and a strong day-to-night atmosphere.
Beer-battered or grilled fish in a tortilla, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A signature San Diego favorite shaped by Baja California influence.
A San Diego staple burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night and taqueria foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent border-style dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shops.
Established waterfront seafood restaurant in Point Loma known for fresh local catch, fish sandwiches, and harbor views.
Legendary casual spot in Barrio Logan known for traditional Mexican plates, handmade tortillas, and an old-school local atmosphere.
Popular casual venue celebrated for fish tacos, smoked fish tacos, and fresh coastal Baja-style seafood in a laid-back setting.
San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining, though tacos, casual eats, and happy hours can help keep daily costs lower.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 nightly for hotel housekeeping.
If you plan on traveling from Phoenix to San Diego, you can choose to cover the 298 miles (480 km) separating these two cities by bus, train, or flight. Even though all these means of travel are reliable, if you're on a tight budget, you should consider traveling to San Diego from Phoenix by bus, as tickets for buses traveling from Phoenix to San Diego are cheaper than the tickets for flights and trains. It's worth stating that if you board a bus from Phoenix to San Diego, you'll be able to see the amazing sites located along the route.
Daily, seven buses leave for San Diego from Phoenix. If you'd like to travel in the morning, you can travel on either the first bus, which usually leaves for San Diego at around 9:45 a.m., or the second bus, which usually leaves for San Diego at around 10:00 p.m. If you'd like to travel in the afternoon, you can choose to travel on the third bus, which begins its journey at around 2:05 p.m., the fourth bus, which commences its journey at about 2:45 p.m., or the fifth bus, which departs for San Diego at around 4:05 p.m. The sixth bus from San Diego to Phoenix usually departs at about 10:10 p.m., while the last bus usually begins its journey at around 11:59 p.m. Therefore, if you'd like to travel during the night, these last two buses are the ones you can travel on.
Your journey from Phoenix to San Diego by bus will be influenced by the number of transfers you'll have. If you board the first bus from Phoenix to San Diego, you'll have a single transfer which will last 1h 35min. Onboard this bus, you're journey to San Diego will last 13h. In contrast, if you board the last bus, you'll not have a transfer, as this bus travels directly to San Diego from Phoenix. Given that this bus doesn't make any stops, your journey from Phoenix to San Diego aboard it will last about 6h 16min.
Departure bus station: The station you'll board your bus to San Diego at will depend on the bus company you'll choose to travel with. If you travel from Phoenix to San Diego with a Greyhound Lines bus, your boarding station will be Phoenix Bus Station. On the other hand, if you travel from Phoenix to San Diego with a FlixBus bus, your boarding station will be the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. Phoenix Bus Station is the busier of the two stations. Thus, if you're to board your bus at this station, it's in your best interest to arrive at the station roughly 30min before your bus is scheduled to leave. This way, you'll be able to check-in in time. Sky Train Station is a well-reviewed station, as it boasts amenities like clean restrooms and a spacious waiting area. At this station, you can count on easily finding your bus, as it is easy to navigate and well-organized.
Arrival bus station: The station you'll alight at will also depend on the bus company you'll choose to travel with. If you board a Greyhound Lines bus, you'll alight at 1313 National Avenue San Diego Station. If you board a FlixBus bus, you'll alight at Hardy Avenue/Campanile Mall Drive, Congress Street (Old Town Park), or Towne Center Plaza. It's worth stating that if you need assistance at any of these stations, you'll find it, as they all have helpful staff. It's also worth stating that you'll be able to find a place to eat, have a drink, or go shopping at any of these stations. This is because all these stations are situated near fabulous restaurants, top-notch coffee shops, and bars, and well-stocked boutique shops.

San Diego Park Cityscape. Source: Shutterstock
The two bus companies that offer cheap buses from Phoenix to San Diego are FlixBus and Greyhound Lines. Of the seven buses that travel from Phoenix to San Diego Daily, Greyhound Lines offers six buses, whereas FlixBus offers only one bus. If you would like to get to San Diego from Phoenix as quickly as possible, you should travel on the FlixBus bus, as it is the fastest bus that travels from Phoenix to San Diego.
Greyhound Lines is, in the opinion of many travelers, one of the go-to bus companies in the country. This is because, since its founding in 1914, this company has continually served its loyal customers. As a company, Greyhound Lines aims to cater to as many travelers as possible. Thus, it has six daily buses that travel from Phoenix to San Diego. Given that several Greyhound Lines buses are traveling this route, if you'd like to travel to San Diego onboard a Greyhound Lines, you'll have plenty of buses to choose from.
Just like Greyhound Lines, FlixBus is also a respected bus company. Over the years, this company has made a name for itself in the industry, as it has been taking several steps to minimize its carbon footprint. Given that this company is eco-friendly, if you'd like to travel sustainably from Phoenix to San Diego, this company's bus is the bus for you. Given that FlixBus offers its bus tickets at cheaper rates than Greyhound Lines, if you'd love to travel cheaply, this company has got you covered.
Both FlixBus and Greyhound Lines are dedicated to ensuring that their passengers have truly wonderful traveling experiences. Thus, these companies have invested in buses with Wi-Fi, power outlets, seats with extra legroom, onboard restrooms, and overhead luggage compartments. Thus, onboard either of these companies' buses, you're bound to be pretty comfortable.
Apart from having great onboard facilities, both bus companies offer carry-on bike service and pet-onboard service. Thus, if you'd like to travel with your bike or your pet, you can do so, so long as you contact the booking office bus of your preferred bus company beforehand. Kindly note that the pet-onboard service is only offered to disabled travelers.
To find cheap bus tickets, you should consider traveling during the low season or booking tickets in advance. You should also consider visiting our online booking platform, Omio. A certified online booking platform, we are a firm that delivers. Judging by our reviews, it's fair to say that you can trust us to provide you with affordable and legitimate tickets. If you'd like to check out the cheap tickets we currently have on offer, please visit our website.

San Diego Bike Beach. Source: Shutterstock
If you're a fan of nature, you should consider visiting the outstanding San Diego Zoo. Home to over 650 different species, a visit to this zoo will leave you quite informed and entertained. If you're a fan of art, you should consider visiting the Timken Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, and the San Diego Museum of Art, as all these destinations exhibit amazing artwork.
If you're more of a wine lover, you should visit the amazing San Diego Wine & Cutlery Center. Regarded by many locals as a hidden gem, a visit to this wine center will leave you completely satisfied, as it offers great food and great wine in a calm environment.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Phoenix, AZ 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.

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