- Recommended
California Heritage Museum
Contemporary art museum on Main Street with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and a strong local cultural role near the beach.
Cheapest price on Oct 01
€22
Average ticket price on Oct 01
€24
Fastest journey on Oct 01
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
3 h 24 m
Buses on Oct 01
6
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA 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 Santa Monica, CA will cost around €24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €22.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 6 buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA, including 6 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the slowest buses will take 4 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.










| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:51AM | Arrival Time 10:56AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:51AM | Arrival Time 12:36PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:51AM | Arrival Time 02:36PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 01:51PM | Arrival Time 04:56PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 03:51PM | Arrival Time 06:36PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:51PM | Arrival Time 08:36PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €28 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:51PM | Arrival Time 10:36PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €32 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA buses for today, Wednesday, September 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 3:51 PM San Diego, CA | 2h45 | 6:36 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 5:51 PM San Diego, CA | 3h05 | 8:56 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 7:51 PM San Diego, CA | 2h45 | 10:36 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 8:20 PM San Diego, CA | 4h00 | 12:20 AM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, October 1 | |||||
![]() | 2:35 AM San Diego, CA | 2h45 | 5:20 AM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:45 PM San Diego, CA | 3h05 | 5:50 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:45 PM San Diego, CA | 3h35 | 7:20 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Santa Monica, CA run on average 31 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 if you book in advance.
There are 31 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price €17 |
Buses per day 31 |
Direct buses 31 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Santa Monica, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Monica, CA trip today.
Contemporary art museum on Main Street with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and a strong local cultural role near the beach.
Compact history museum in a landmark home and library. It explores Santa Monica's development through photographs, archives, and local stories.
Bergamot gallery showing changing exhibitions of contemporary art by established and emerging artists in a relaxed setting.
Lively pedestrian shopping street with performers, public art, and easy access to downtown Santa Monica's shops and entertainment.
Broad sandy beach with bike path, volleyball courts, and iconic coastal views. A top place for walking, relaxing, and watching sunsets.
Oceanfront bluff park with walking paths, sculptures, and sweeping Pacific views. Ideal for an easy stroll above the beach and pier.
A Japanese rice bowl loaded with fresh sea urchin from the nearby coast. It reflects Santa Monica's strong seafood culture and Japanese dining influence.
Fresh Pacific oysters served raw or simply dressed. They are a classic coastal choice that highlights the city's access to high-quality shellfish.
A fish taco made with local-style grilled or fried fish, cabbage, salsa, and crema. It reflects Southern California beach food and Mexican influence.
Casual Japanese spot specializing in fresh sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. A reliable choice for sea urchin and other seafood favorites.
Elegant seafood restaurant near the beach serving oysters, crudo, and refined coastal plates in a polished but relaxed room.
Popular all-day café known for organic breakfast, salads, and market-driven California dishes in a bright, casual setting.
Santa Monica is pricier than many US beach cities, with high hotel rates, dining costs, and parking; transit is cheaper than rideshares.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee if service is notable.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA 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 Santa Monica, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Santa Monica, CA buses use the San Diego to station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Santa Monica, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Diego has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There are fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego. ATMs are available at San Diego.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego.
Available at San Diego: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
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, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need