- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $195. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 10h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $195, and a train costs an average of $460.
Distance: 1558 miles (2508 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$304 Average price Cheapest | $558 Average price | $998 Average price | $362 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
41h 10m Average total duration 40h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 13m Average total duration Fastest 10h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 62h 31m Average total duration 62h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 25h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN:
A bus is $254 (€206) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN costing on average $558 (€452).
A bus is $694 (€561) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN costing on average $998 (€807).
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Bus takes on average 40h 40m.
Train takes on average 62h 1m.
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 08:10PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 44h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 44h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $395 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 42h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $323 |
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 San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN run on average 8 times per day, taking around 40h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $195 (€157) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:10, the last at 22:50. The fastest bus covers the 1558 miles (2508 km) distance in 42h 0m.
Distance 1558 miles (2508 km) |
Average bus duration 40h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $195 (€157) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 42h 0m |
First bus 2:10 AM |
Last bus 10:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Memphis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis trip today.
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Museum on the original Stax Records site, celebrating soul music legends and the label’s deep connection to Memphis. A favorite for music fans and culture-focused visitors.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum telling the story of Memphis music, from rural roots to the rise of rock and soul. Compact, well-curated, and easy to pair with Beale Street.
Memphis’s most famous entertainment street, known for live music, neon signs, and deep blues heritage. A core stop for first-time visitors day or night.
Walkable downtown district with galleries, restored buildings, murals, and a more local feel than Beale Street. Popular for photography and casual exploring.
Huge urban park with lakes, trails, open space, and outdoor recreation. One of the best green spaces in Memphis for families, walkers, and cyclists.
Slow-smoked pork ribs, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are one of Memphis’s signature barbecue specialties.
Chopped or pulled smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with slaw. It is a classic everyday Memphis barbecue order.
Memphis barbecue famous for a spice rub applied before smoking rather than heavy sauce. It highlights the city’s pit-smoking tradition.
Established upscale downtown restaurant offering tasting flights, refined New American dishes, and a polished atmosphere.
Beloved local barbecue spot celebrated for ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue spaghetti in an unfussy traditional atmosphere.
Popular long-running barbecue restaurant known for Memphis-style ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings in a lively casual setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than in larger coastal cities, though tourist areas and live music venues cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or tip 10-15%, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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