- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
A major museum covering the American experience in World War II with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia installations.
Cheapest price
$332
Average price
$332
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 d 1 h 15 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2583 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA will cost around $332 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $332.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Diego, CA for New Orleans, LA on Wed, Jun 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct buses cover the 2583 km distance in an average of 2 d 1 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 1 h 15 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the slowest buses will take 2 d 1 h 15 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 train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $159. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $159, and a train costs an average of $226.
Distance: 1605 miles (2583 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$268 Average price | $574 Average price | $232 Average price Cheapest | $370 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
44h 34m Average total duration 44h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 52h 52m Average total duration 52h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA:
A flight is $37 (€30) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $268 (€217).
A flight is $342 (€276) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA costing on average $574 (€463).
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Bus takes on average 44h 4m.
Train takes on average 52h 22m.
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 08:55PM | Duration 66h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $432 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 65h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 43h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 49h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound Mexico | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 47h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $569 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 49h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $284 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 45h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $307 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 46h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $266 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 48h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $138 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA buses for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:25 PM San Diego, CA | 47h45 | 7:10 PM New Orleans, LA | 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 San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 44h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $138 (€112) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 1605 miles (2583 km) distance in 43h 50m.
Distance 1605 miles (2583 km) |
Average bus duration 44h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $138 (€112) |
Buses per day 15 |
Fastest bus 43h 50m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of New Orleans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans trip today.
A major museum covering the American experience in World War II with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia installations.
The city’s leading fine arts museum, known for European, American, African, and contemporary collections in City Park.
A respected museum focused on art from the American South, featuring modern and contemporary works and regional perspectives.
The city’s most famous historic district, loved for architecture, music, balconies, and a lively street atmosphere.
A world-famous entertainment street known for nonstop energy, neon lights, and a classic New Orleans nightlife scene.
A picturesque neighborhood of grand historic homes, oak-lined streets, and one of the city’s best walking areas.
A rich Louisiana stew made with a dark roux, the holy trinity of vegetables, and usually seafood or sausage. It is one of the city’s most iconic Creole dishes.
A seasoned rice dish cooked with meat or seafood, tomatoes in the Creole style, and spices. It reflects the city’s French, Spanish, and African influences.
Square French-style doughnuts served hot and heavily dusted with powdered sugar. They are a classic New Orleans sweet and coffee companion.
A landmark Garden District restaurant known for refined Creole cuisine, elegant service, and a historic setting. Famous for jazz brunch and classic local dishes.
A popular Warehouse District restaurant specializing in Cajun-inspired pork, boudin, and hearty Louisiana cooking in a lively rustic space.
A long-running Uptown seafood spot best known for oysters, oyster loaf, and classic local seafood plates in an old-school tiled dining room.
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Food ranges widely; hotels surge during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and major events.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants and bars; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per bag for bell staff, USD 2-5 for housekeeping daily, and round up or tip 10-15% for taxis.
Official public transport app
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans -> Canal Street, New Orleans
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need