- 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
$101
Average price
$151
Fastest journey
11 h 30 m
Average duration
13 h 42 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
761 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $151 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $101.
Of the 11 buses that leave Sacramento, 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 761 km distance in an average of 13 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 14 h 50 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.
3718 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
749 Capitol Corridor · 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
3718 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
·
· 

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $63. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $63, and a flight costs an average of $68.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$99 Average price Cheapest | $122 Average price | $224 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 55m Average total duration 12h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 15m Average total duration 12h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg 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 Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $21 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $129.
A bus is $162 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $270.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 25m.
Train takes on average 12h 42m.
You'll arrive about -5h -53m sooner (12h 25m by bus vs 7h 32m by car) and save roughly $-3.53 compared to fuel and tolls ($109 vs $105). 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 Greyhound.
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 06:45AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:53PM | Arrival Time 01:07PM | Duration 18h14 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 15h30 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 16h00 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 14h15 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 14h50 | 12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
3718 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK | 6:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 11h30 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
749 Capitol Corridor · 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:53 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 18h14 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
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 Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 12h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $63 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 472 miles (761 km) distance in 11h 30m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 30m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 6 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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Sacramento, Bus Terminal 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 Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sacramento, Bus Terminal is 1 km from Sacramento city centre. Public transport options include:
Sacramento, Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shop available
Free with registration. ATMs are multiple ATMs near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal.
Available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
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, 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, 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