- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Cheapest price
$23
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 52 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
Of the 8 buses that leave Santa Ana, CA for San Diego, CA on Fri, Jun 19, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 132 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 2 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus

FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $30.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 25m Average total duration 1h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $8 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $32 (€26).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 55m.
You'll arrive about -1h -27m sooner (1h 55m by bus vs 1h 28m by car) and save roughly $-5.79 (€-4.72) compared to fuel and tolls ($25 (€20) vs $19 (€15)). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus, Infobus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:00 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 1h45 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 2h20 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:35 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 1h50 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:35 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 2h35 | 5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 1h45 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 2h15 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 2h20 | 12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 1h45 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
There are 11 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 1h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Balboa Park art museum known for Spanish old masters, South Asian works, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark building.
Leading contemporary art museum with major postwar and current works, especially strong in Southern California and Pacific Rim artists.
Vast cultural park with gardens, museums, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, walking paths, and some of San Diego's best photo spots.
Scenic cove known for sea lions, clear water, coastal cliffs, and highly shareable sunset and ocean-view walks.
Wide sandy beach beside the Hotel del Coronado, popular for walking, photography, and classic Southern California scenery.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A signature coastal San Diego staple with strong Baja influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night and casual foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shop culture.
Popular waterfront seafood restaurant serving fresh local catch, fish tacos, and sandwiches in a relaxed harbor setting near the fishing fleet.
Historic, no-frills Mexican restaurant famous for house-made tortillas, rolled tacos, and comforting traditional plates. A beloved local institution with a classic atmosphere.
Iconic casual spot in Ocean Beach known for oversized burgers, fries, and a lively beach-town vibe. A long-standing San Diego favorite.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels, dining, and parking near the coast and downtown.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) 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 Santa Ana, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need