- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Cheapest price
$239
Average price
$239
Fastest journey
2 d 14 h 40 m
Average duration
2 d 14 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
3167 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI will cost around $239 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $239.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Detroit, MI on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 3167 km distance in an average of 2 d 14 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 14 h 40 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 2 d 14 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $208. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.0 - 2.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $208, and a flight costs an average of $390.
Distance: 1967 miles (3167 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$246 Average price Cheapest | $571 Average price | $399 Average price | $473 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
61h 11m Average total duration 60h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 20m Average total duration Fastest 5h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 50h 52m Average total duration 50h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 33h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
3.2 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | 9.5 - 19.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
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 San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI:
A bus is $153 (€125) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI costing on average $399 (€326).
A bus is $325 (€266) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI costing on average $571 (€467).
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Train takes on average 50h 22m.
Bus takes on average 60h 41m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 59h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $285 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 60h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 58h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $235 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 76h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 58h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 62h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 58h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $303 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 59h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator Greyhound Mexico | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 68h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $677 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 59h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 62h40 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $208 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 59h45 | 9:55 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 7:55 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 59h00 | 9:55 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 4 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 8:10 PM San Diego, CA | 62h40 | 10:50 AM Detroit, MI | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI run on average 9 times per day, taking around 60h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $208 (€170) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1967 miles (3167 km) distance in 58h 40m.
Distance 1967 miles (3167 km) |
Average bus duration 60h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $208 (€170) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 58h 40m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Detroit — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Large museum in the Detroit area showcasing transportation, industry, design, and iconic American artifacts.
Historic Hitsville U.S.A. museum preserving the story of Motown Records and its legendary artists.
Popular waterfront promenade with skyline views, public art, and easy walking between downtown and riverfront parks.
Island park with gardens, trails, water views, and several cultural attractions, popular with locals and visitors.
Historic market district famous for murals, weekend markets, and one of Detroit’s strongest local atmospheres.
A rectangular, deep-pan pizza with a thick yet airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and sauce layered on top. It is one of Detroit’s most iconic local foods.
A hot dog in a bun topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. The Detroit coney is a classic local fast-food staple tied to the city’s Greek-American diner tradition.
A traditional Detroit float made with Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. Despite the name, it is a distinctly Detroit dessert drink.
A long-running Hamtramck favorite for hearty Polish dishes in a warm, traditional basement setting near Detroit.
A respected modern Detroit restaurant known for seasonal small plates, strong cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
A polished downtown dining room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, known for contemporary American cooking and stylish surroundings.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary widely, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants before tax. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 1-5. Not usually expected for counter service, but appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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