The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$30
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Diego, CA on Wed, Nov 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest buses will take 3 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a flight costs an average of €54.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€23 Average price Cheapest | €151 Average price |
3h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 24m Average total duration 8h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:05 PM Santa Monica, CA | 4h00 | 5:05 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA by bus or flight
Compare 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.
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 52 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 50 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€18) |
Buses per day 52 |
Direct buses 50 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Infobus, Big Blue Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Infobus, Big Blue Bus for as low as $23 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Infobus
Big Blue Bus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, 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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Monica, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

