- 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
$37
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
156 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rialto, 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 Rialto, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
Of the 2 buses that leave Rialto, CA for San Diego, CA on Sun, Aug 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 156 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 3 h 20 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rialto, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $39.
Distance: 96 miles (156 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price | $23 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Rialto, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rialto, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $39.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 26m.
You'll arrive about -1h -50m sooner (2h 43m by bus vs 1h 53m by car) and save roughly $-2.71 compared to fuel and tolls ($26 vs $23). 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 Infobus, FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Rialto, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:50 PM Rialto, CA | 3h20 | 1:10 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 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 Rialto, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 96 miles (156 km) distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 96 miles (156 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 2 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 Rialto, 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 Rialto, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the San Bernardino, Depot 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 Rialto, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There are fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego. ATMs are available at San Diego.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego.
Available at San Diego: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need