- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
2 h 40 m
Average duration
2 h 40 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
139 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Riverside, CA for San Diego, CA on Wed, Jul 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct buses cover the 139 km distance in an average of 2 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest buses will take 2 h 40 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.
11:30 PM2h40Riverside, CA2:10 AMSan Diego, CA$291One-way0 transfers- 10:30 PM2h40Riverside, CA1:10 AMSan Diego, CA$311One-way0 transfers
- 11:30 PM2h40Riverside, CA2:10 AMSan Diego, CA$291One-way0 transfers
- 10:30 PM2h40Riverside, CA1:10 AMSan Diego, CA$311One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $36.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$32 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of $32 (€26).
This is compared to other travel options from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $38 (€31).
The fastest way to travel from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA is by train with an average journey time of 3h 17m.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 59m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -3h -18m sooner (3h 59m by bus vs 1h 41m by car) and save roughly $-12.06 (€-9.93) compared to fuel and tolls ($32 (€26) vs $20 (€16)). 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 FlixBus, Infobus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator 702 Shuttles | Departure Time 02:01AM | Arrival Time 04:17AM | Duration 2h16 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator 702 Shuttles | Departure Time 10:01AM | Arrival Time 12:17PM | Duration 2h16 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator 702 Shuttles | Departure Time 01:01PM | Arrival Time 03:17PM | Duration 2h16 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Live departures
Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1:00 PM Riverside, Parking Lot 30, CA | 5h20 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 1:00 PM Riverside, Parking Lot 30, CA | 4h50 | 5:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 1:00 PM Riverside, Parking Lot 30, CA | 5h20 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
 0 | 1:01 PM Riverside, CA | 2h16 | 3:17 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:30 PM Riverside, Parking Lot 30, CA | 2h40 | 6:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:30 PM Riverside, Parking Lot 30, CA | 3h15 | 6:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Wed
Jul 15
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Jul 19
Mon
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Tue
Jul 21
Jul 21
Why should you book Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Infobus offer buses services from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€14) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€14) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Infobus for as low as $17 (€14). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 40m
Cheapest Price
$17 (€14)
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Infobus frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
Complete guide to San Diego
Things to do in San Diego
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
- Must visit
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
- Must visit
Gaslamp Quarter
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
- Must visit
La Jolla Cove
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
Fish Taco
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
California Burrito
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
- Gluten-free
Sea Urchin (Uni)
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Sushi Ota
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Mitch's Seafood
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Juniper and Ivy
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
US Dollar ($)
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
FAQs: Bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riverside, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $17 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA is $32 (€26) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA is 2h 40m to travel the 86 miles (139 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 10:00 PM.
Yes, there are 6 direct buses a day from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Infobus for the best way to get you to San Diego, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Diego, CA from Riverside, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA for bus company FlixBus, Infobus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Diego, CA are:
- Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
- La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
- Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
- Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
The best things to do in San Diego, CA include:
- Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
- hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
- experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Infobus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA. The following conditions apply:
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Infobus.
Since neither Riverside, CA nor San Diego, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Diego, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches, public transportation, and popular tourist spots such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized ticket sellers near attractions. Staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and using official transportation services help reduce risks. Additionally, travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of local traffic laws when using scooters or bikes.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Most Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Riverside, Parking Lot 30 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 Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Riverside
Arrival bus stations in San Diego
Riverside, Parking Lot 30
City-centre transport
Getting to Riverside, Parking Lot 30 from Riverside city centre
Bus1, 14 · 53m · $1 · every ~17 min
1 · 55m · $1 · every ~14 min
1 · 56m · $2 · every ~14 min
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 20m · $1
83 · 26m · $6
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 16m · every ~18 min
Blue · 21m · every ~9 min
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 25m · $2
910 · 41m · $6
TramBlue · 41m · $17 · every ~14 min
Blue · 43m · $17 · every ~14 min
San Diego
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego from San Diego city centre
Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · $6 · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min
Most popular bus connections from Riverside, CA
More options for your journey from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and Riverside, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Diego, CA
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