- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
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 $193. 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 $193, and a train costs an average of $457.
Distance: 1558 miles (2508 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$302 Average price Cheapest | $991 Average price | $555 Average price | $360 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
41h 10m Average total duration 40h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 62h 31m Average total duration 62h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 13m Average total duration Fastest 10h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m 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 $253 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN costing on average $555.
A bus is $689 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN costing on average $991.
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 $193 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 44h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $392 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 42h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $320 |
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 $193 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 $193 |
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, TN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis, TN trip today.
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
Major museum of Memphis music history inside a former recording studio. A must for soul, blues, and rock fans exploring the city's sound.
Interactive museum on Stax Records and Southern soul legends. Worth visiting for Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and immersive music storytelling.
Memphis's legendary entertainment street, famous for live music, neon, and history. A classic walk for atmosphere, nightlife, and cultural identity.
Mississippi riverfront park with broad lawns, monuments, and skyline views. Ideal for an easy walk and classic river scenery.
Large urban park with old-growth forest, trails, playgrounds, and zoo access. Excellent for nature, families, and a break from downtown.
Memphis-style pork ribs are slow-smoked over hardwood, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are the city’s most iconic barbecue tradition.
Pulled pork shoulder is smoked until tender, chopped or shredded, and often topped with slaw. It is a staple of Memphis barbecue joints.
Barbecue spaghetti mixes smoked pork, tomato-based sauce, and spaghetti. This quirky Memphis specialty reflects the city’s barbecue creativity.
Beloved traditional barbecue spot famous for pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and barbecue spaghetti. Casual and deeply tied to Memphis food culture.
Historic fine dining destination serving refined Southern cuisine and an acclaimed brunch. Elegant setting inside a former mansion in Midtown.
Long-running Memphis institution for fried chicken and Southern sides. Bustling, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong local following.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels and dining are generally below New York or Miami, while car, rideshare, and attraction costs can add up.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts; small tips are appreciated.
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.

Most San Diego, CA to Memphis, TN buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Memphis, Airways Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Memphis, TN 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