- Must visit
Tijuana Cultural Center
Major cultural institution with exhibition spaces, museum areas, and one of the city’s most important venues for arts and heritage.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 37 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
160 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana 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 Tijuana will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana without transferring at least once.
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Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $32, and a bus costs an average of $29.
Distance: 99 miles (160 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $1 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 12m Average total duration 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana:
A train is $12 (€9) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana costing on average $44 (€36).
Other travel options to Tijuana take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 42m.
You'll arrive about -2h -51m sooner (3h 42m by bus vs 1h 51m by car) and save roughly $-43.26 (€-34.92) compared to fuel and tolls ($44 (€36) vs $1 (€0.91)). 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.
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 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 04:15AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $40 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. 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) | 3h45 | 1:45 PM Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto) | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:00 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 4h20 | 2:20 PM Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:00 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 4h05 | 2:05 PM Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 2:35 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 5h40 | 8:15 PM Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 2:35 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 5h15 | 7:50 PM Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 2:35 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 6h00 | 8:35 PM Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:05. The fastest bus covers the 99 miles (160 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 99 miles (160 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Tijuana — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tijuana trip today.
Major cultural institution with exhibition spaces, museum areas, and one of the city’s most important venues for arts and heritage.
History museum inside the Tijuana Cultural Center covering the Californias region from prehistory to the modern border era.
Contemporary art museum and gallery complex at CECUT, known for rotating exhibitions of Mexican and international artists.
Tijuana’s best-known avenue for walking, public art, nightlife atmosphere, shops, and iconic city imagery.
Coastal district known for its boardwalk, beach views, casual walks, and the border meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Creative pedestrian passage with murals, indie shops, design studios, and art spaces that is especially popular with younger visitors.
The original Caesar salad was created in Tijuana. It features romaine, croutons, parmesan, egg-based dressing, and dramatic tableside preparation.
Slow-cooked beef or goat tacos served with rich consommé. A beloved Baja staple, especially popular for late-night eating in Tijuana.
Tijuana is famous for adobada tacos, made with marinated pork shaved from a vertical spit and served on small corn tortillas.
One of Tijuana's best-known taco spots, famous for adobada and carne asada tacos. Casual, busy, and highly regarded by locals and visitors.
Well-known contemporary Baja restaurant by chef Javier Plascencia, offering refined regional cuisine in a modern upscale setting.
Historic dining room known as the birthplace of Caesar salad. A classic Tijuana institution with old-school service and continental Mexican fare.
Costs are low to moderate by North American standards. Street food and local restaurants are especially affordable, while upscale dining and tourist areas cost more.
Tip 10-15% in restaurants; 15-20% for excellent service. Round up taxis only if helpful. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff, baggers, and delivery drivers.
Official public transport app
Tijuana Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto), Tijuana -> Zona Centro, Tijuana
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana 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 Tijuana, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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