- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$145
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$184
Fastest journey on Sep 18
2 d 11 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
2 d 13 h 41 m
Buses on Sep 18
15
Distance
3534 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC will cost around $184 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $145.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC without transferring at least 3 times.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $388 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $388, while a train costs an average of $1318.
Distance: 2195 miles (3534 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$388 Average price Cheapest | $1318 Average price | $631 Average price | $517 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
58h 56m Average total duration 58h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 69h 33m Average total duration 69h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 43m Average total duration Fastest 6h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 36h 42m 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 Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $243 (€199) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $631 (€516).
A bus is $930 (€761) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $1318 (€1078).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 58h 26m.
Train takes on average 69h 3m.
Tickets start at around $388 (€317) compared to roughly $517 (€423) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $129 (€106). The journey takes 58h 26m versus 36h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 60h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 69h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 59h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 66h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $240 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 65h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 62h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $244 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 61h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 103h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 102h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $150 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · + FlixBus | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 65h00 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 62h20 | 12:30 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 61h45 | 12:30 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 64h25 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:45 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 103h00 | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:45 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 92h35 | 9:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:05 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 102h40 | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:05 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 92h15 | 9:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5 transfers | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
· · · | 9:15 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 60h15 | 12:30 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 74h45 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 69h20 | 9:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5 transfers | |
· · · | 9:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 59h40 | 12:30 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 12:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 66h05 | 9:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 65h35 | 9:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 71h00 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 4 transfers | |
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 Raleigh, NC run on average 11 times per day, taking around 58h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $192 (€157) but you can travel from only $180 (€147) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 04:15, the last at 22:05. The fastest bus covers the 2195 miles (3534 km) distance in 55h 55m.
Distance 2195 miles (3534 km) |
Average bus duration 58h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $192 (€157) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 55h 55m |
First bus 4:15 AM |
Last bus 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Raleigh, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh, NC trip today.
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
One of the Southeast's best natural history museums, featuring dinosaurs, research labs, and family-friendly exhibits across two buildings.
Interactive museum covering North Carolina's military past with aircraft, artifacts, and stories spanning colonial times to today.
Lively warehouse district with murals, shops, event spaces, and nightlife. It is one of Raleigh's most popular modern walking areas.
Beloved city park with an antique carousel, train ride, and shaded paths. Ideal for families and a classic local outing.
Scenic art-and-nature trail linking museum grounds with outdoor sculptures, woods, and open fields for an easy cultural walk.
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue is smoked whole hog with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce, a defining regional staple widely loved around Raleigh.
Barbecue hushpuppies are crisp fried cornmeal dumplings, a classic side with Carolina barbecue and seafood across the Raleigh area.
Fried green tomatoes are tart unripe tomato slices breaded and fried, a Southern favorite often served as an appetizer in Raleigh restaurants.
Long-running fine dining destination celebrated for upscale Southern cuisine, garden herbs, and a romantic historic setting.
Popular casual spot for biscuits, Southern breakfast plates, and local comfort food with a lively neighborhood feel.
Beloved local brewpub offering house beers and hearty pub food, reflecting Raleigh's strong craft beer culture.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are usually lower than NYC or DC, but car, rideshare, and limited transit can raise visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Raleigh, NC buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Raleigh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Raleigh, NC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). ATMs are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Station is accessible for passengers with disabilities.
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