- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history. One of the city's most visited cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$101
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
11 h 30 m
Average duration
13 h 42 m
Buses per day
10
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 $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $101.
Of the 10 buses that leave Sacramento, CA for San Diego, CA on Wed, Jul 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 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 Wed, Jul 08 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

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FlixBus
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3718 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
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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 $69. 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 $69, and a flight costs an average of $52.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price Cheapest | $126 Average price | $264 Average price | $102 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 55m Average total duration 12h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 12m Average total duration 12h 42m 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 $20 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $126 (€104).
A bus is $158 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $264 (€217).
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 $-4.71 (€-3.87) compared to fuel and tolls ($106 (€87) vs $102 (€83)). 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 $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:53PM | Arrival Time 01:07PM | Duration 18h14 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $103 |
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
· · + FlixBus | 10:05 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 24h10 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 10:05 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 18h20 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:05 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 14h15 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:05 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 13h40 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 16h00 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 14h50 | 12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 14h15 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 16 times per day, taking around 12h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $69 (€57) but you can travel from only $52 (€43) by flight.
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 $69 (€57) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 30m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 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 exhibits, and naval history. One of the city's most visited cultural attractions.
Balboa Park's flagship art museum, known for European old masters, South Asian art, and major rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial building.
Contemporary art museum with a major La Jolla campus and strong collection of postwar and current works, plus ocean-view architecture and installations.
San Diego's signature urban park, filled with gardens, plazas, museums, and Spanish Colonial architecture. It is one of the city's essential places to explore.
A scenic coastal area known for sea lions, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most photographed ocean views in San Diego.
A popular waterfront walking area with bay views, promenades, and public spaces near downtown, especially appealing at sunset and on casual strolls.
Baja-style fish tacos are a San Diego staple, usually made with battered or grilled local fish, cabbage, crema, and salsa in a corn tortilla.
A classic San Diego burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa, reflecting the city’s Mexican borderland food culture.
A beloved local late-night dish of fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
An iconic casual spot in Barrio Logan known for house-made tortillas, rice, beans, and traditional Mexican plates with a no-frills atmosphere.
A long-running waterfront seafood market and eatery loved for fresh fish sandwiches, chowder, and a classic San Diego harbor setting.
A popular casual restaurant serving upscale fried chicken, sandwiches, and local beers in a lively indoor-outdoor setting.
San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near beaches and downtown.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need