- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price
$144
Average price
$162
Fastest journey
2 d 16 h 45 m
Average duration
2 d 17 h 59 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
3653 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around $162 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $144.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC without transferring at least 4 times.
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· Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $133. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $133, and a train costs an average of $335.
Distance: 2269 miles (3653 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$277 Average price Cheapest | $315 Average price | $607 Average price | $562 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
65h 27m Average total duration 64h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration Fastest 5h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 64h 46m Average total duration 64h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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 Washington, DC:
A bus is $38 (€30) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $315 (€253).
A bus is $329 (€265) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $607 (€488).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 64h 16m.
Bus takes on average 64h 57m.
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 10:35PM | Duration 68h35 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $296 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 68h35 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $354 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 87h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 65h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 69h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 64h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 81h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 81h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 67h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $411 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 65h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $191 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 65h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $275 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 65h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $182 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 68h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 66h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $201 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 67h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 82h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $472 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 63h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $201 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 63h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 63h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $471 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Washington, DC buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:25 PM San Diego, CA | 65h10 | 10:35 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:25 PM San Diego, CA | 63h55 | 2:20 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Washington, DC run on average 13 times per day, taking around 64h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $133 (€107) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 2269 miles (3653 km) distance in 65h 20m.
Distance 2269 miles (3653 km) |
Average bus duration 64h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 (€107) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 65h 20m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Washington, DC buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Washington, DC 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.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) is 1 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). ATMs are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Ticket office support is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Sidewalks and crosswalks are wheelchair accessible.
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