- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$74
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$117
Fastest journey on Aug 29
10 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
12 h 1 m
Buses on Aug 29
11
Distance
738 km
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 $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 11 buses from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct buses cover the 738 km distance in an average of 12 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 35 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest buses will take 13 h 50 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.
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus

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 an average ticket price of $84 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $84, while a flight costs an average of $207.
Distance: 458 miles (738 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$84 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price | $207 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 30m Average total duration 13h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 18m Average total duration 12h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 2h 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 |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $87 (€70).
A bus is $123 (€99) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $207 (€167).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 48m.
Bus takes on average 13h 0m.
Tickets start at around $84 (€68) compared to roughly $105 (€85) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 13h 0m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 17h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 11:07PM | Duration 15h22 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 01:07PM | Duration 14h32 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 6:30 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 17h20 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 6:30 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 17h55 | 12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
· + FlixBus | 6:50 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 17h05 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 6:50 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 16h45 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 13h15 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 13h50 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:00 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 10h35 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:00 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 10h55 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:00 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 11h30 | 12:30 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 13h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $45 (€37) 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 40m.
Distance 458 miles (738 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 13h 40m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
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.

Most San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
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, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s) is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s). ATMs are available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s).
Available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s): Accessible paths available.
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