San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA bus with FlixBus

Sat, May 30
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for May 30

Cheapest price

$73

Average price

$147

Fastest journey

13 h 15 m

Average duration

14 h 52 m

Buses per day

8

Distance

738 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.

Fast buses

Of the 8 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for San Diego, CA on Sat, May 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, May 30 the direct buses cover the 738 km distance in an average of 14 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 15 m .

On Sat, May 30 the slowest buses will take 17 h 20 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.

  • Amtrak4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
    10:35 PM14h32
    San Francisco, CA
    1:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    $731One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
    7:45 AM15h22
    San Francisco, CA
    11:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    $731One-way
    1 transfer
  • Greyhound · +FlixBusFlixBus
    4:00 PM24h25
    San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
    4:25 PMSan Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
    $1501One-way
    2 transfers
  • Greyhound
    10:30 PM13h50
    San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
    12:20 PMSan Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
    $1651One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greyhound · +FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus
    4:00 PM26h20
    San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
    6:20 PMSan Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA
    $1681One-way
    3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $61. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, and a flight costs an average of $54.

Distance: 458 miles (738 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$92

Average price

Cheapest

$97

Average price

$272

Average price

$103

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

13h 20m

Average total duration

12h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 18m

Average total duration

12h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

7h 33m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.7 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

2.2 - 4.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

Most popular train company

United

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of $92 (€74).

This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:

A bus is $6 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $97 (€78).

A bus is $180 (€145) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $272 (€219).

The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 4m.

Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 12h 48m.

Bus takes on average 12h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $92 (€74) compared to roughly $103 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $11 (€9). The journey takes 12h 50m versus 7h 33m 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.

Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Greyhound.

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.

San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
06:30AM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
17h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
14h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
11:07PM
Duration
15h22
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
06:20PM
Duration
26h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
10:30PM
Arrival Time
11:45AM
Duration
13h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$127
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
10:35PM
Arrival Time
01:07PM
Duration
14h32
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$73
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
10:40PM
Arrival Time
11:45AM
Duration
13h05
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:25PM
Arrival Time
05:10PM
Duration
17h45
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$93

Live departures

San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greyhound · +FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus4:00 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
26h20
6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA3 transfers
Greyhound · +FlixBusFlixBus4:00 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
24h25
4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA2 transfers
Greyhound10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
13h50
12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center0 transfersDirect
Greyhound10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
13h15
11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner10:35 PM San Francisco, CA
14h32
1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:25 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA
17h45
5:10 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:25 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA
17h45
5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:25 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA
14h45
2:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA1 transfer
Saturday, May 30
Greyhound · 6:30 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
17h55
12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center1 transfer
Greyhound · 6:30 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
17h20
11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA1 transfer
Amtrak4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner7:45 AM San Francisco, CA
15h22
11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA by bus, train, or flight

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.

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Why should you book San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 21 times per day, taking around 12h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by flight.

There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 13h 5m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $54 (€44)
Distance
458 miles (738 km)
Average bus duration
12h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$61 (€49)
Buses per day
21
Direct buses
2
Fastest bus
13h 5m
First bus
3:50 AM
Last bus
11:25 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
4 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $54 (€44)

Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $54 (€44). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 15m
Cheapest Price
$65 (€52)
FlixBus frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Greyhound

About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 5m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€49)
Greyhound frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

Complete guide to San Diego

Things to do in San Diego

Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.

  • Must visit

USS Midway Museum

A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck views, and naval history exhibits. One of the city’s signature attractions.

  • Recommended

San Diego Museum of Art

Balboa Park’s major art museum, known for European old masters, Asian art, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial Revival building.

  • Recommended

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Contemporary art museum with strong regional and international programming, especially noted for its oceanfront La Jolla location and modern exhibitions.

United States Dollar

San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining, though tacos, casual eats, and happy hours can help keep daily costs lower.

Average meal costs

Budget
USD 10-18 for tacos, fast food, or casual counter service.
Mid-range
USD 25-45 per person at a standard sit-down restaurant.
Fine dining
USD 80+ per person before drinks, tax, and tip.
Coffee
USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a latte.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 nightly for hotel housekeeping.

FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $61 (€49) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is $92 (€74) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is 13h 5m to travel the 458 miles (738 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 11:25 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to San Diego, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Diego, CA from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 13h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Diego, CA are:
  • Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
  • USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
  • La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
  • Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
  • Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
The best things to do in San Diego, CA include:
  • Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
  • enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
  • hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
  • visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
  • experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • Greyhound
    • You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
  • Greyhound
    • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
  • Greyhound
    • $15 per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor San Diego, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Diego, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like beaches, public transportation, and popular tourist spots such as the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized ticket sellers near attractions. Staying aware of surroundings, securing belongings, and using official transportation services help reduce risks. Additionally, travelers should avoid isolated areas at night and be mindful of local traffic laws when using scooters or bikes.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

San Francisco
San Diego
The major bus station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 for your trip from San Francisco to San Diego.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street

Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to San Diego, CASan Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA bus

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