- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history. One of the city's most visited cultural attractions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 03
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 5 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
191 km
Cheap tickets
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 $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Diego, CA on Fri, Jul 03, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct buses cover the 191 km distance in an average of 4 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest buses will take 4 h 45 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.
8:25 PM4h45Santa Monica, CA1:10 AMSan Diego, CA$271One-way0 transfers- 6:25 PM4h15Santa Monica, CA10:40 PMSan Diego, CA$321One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 AM3h15Santa Monica, CA4:45 AMSan Diego, CA$421One-way0 transfers
- 1:30 AM3h15Santa Monica, CA4:45 AMSan Diego, CA$421One-way0 transfers
- 6:25 PM4h15Santa Monica, CA10:40 PMSan Diego, CA$321One-way0 transfers
- 8:25 PM4h45Santa Monica, CA1:10 AMSan Diego, CA$271One-way0 transfers
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 $23. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $114.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $418 Average price | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 38m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of $33 (€27).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $385 (€318) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $418 (€345).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 50m.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Monica, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Monica, 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 $33 (€27) compared to roughly $35 (€29) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $1 (€1). The journey takes 2h 50m versus 2h 10m 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, Infobus.
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.
Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 08:34AM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:49AM | Duration 2h19 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:49AM | Duration 2h19 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:19PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:49PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:49PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:19PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 11:19PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
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, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 0 | 4:00 AM Los Angeles, CA | 2h45 | 6:45 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
 0 | 5:15 AM Los Angeles, CA | 3h19 | 8:34 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:20 AM Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore, CA | 3h20 | 9:40 AM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:20 AM Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore, CA | 3h45 | 10:05 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:55 AM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 2h45 | 9:40 AM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:55 AM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3h10 | 10:05 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 7:30 AM Los Angeles, CA | 2h19 | 9:49 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 8:15 AM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 4h05 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:15 AM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3h30 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 9:30 AM Los Angeles, CA | 2h19 | 11:49 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 10:25 AM Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking, CA | 3h15 | 1:40 PM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 10:25 AM Los Angles, S Hope St. USC Parking, CA | 3h45 | 2:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 10:55 AM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3h15 | 2:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 10:55 AM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 2h45 | 1:40 PM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 11:30 AM Los Angeles, CA | 2h49 | 2:19 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 12:25 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3h30 | 3:55 PM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 12:25 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 4h00 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 12:25 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 4h45 | 5:10 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 12:25 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 4h45 | 5:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 1:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 4h40 | 6:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 1:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 4h05 | 5:35 PM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 1:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 5h15 | 6:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 1:30 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2h19 | 3:49 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 2:15 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2h45 | 5:00 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 2h55 | 5:25 PM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3h50 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3h50 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3h20 | 5:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:25 PM Downey, Stonewood Center (251 Stonewood St), CA | 2h00 | 5:25 PM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:25 PM Downey, Stonewood Center (251 Stonewood St), CA | 2h55 | 6:20 PM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:25 PM Downey, Stonewood Center (251 Stonewood St), CA | 2h55 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:25 PM Downey, Stonewood Center (251 Stonewood St), CA | 2h25 | 5:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 4:00 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2h19 | 6:19 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 0 | 6:00 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2h19 | 8:19 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3h15 | 9:45 PM La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3h45 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 6:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 4h15 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 3 | |||||
| 1:30 AM Santa Monica, CA | 3h15 | 4:45 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
| 0 | 8:00 PM Los Angeles, CA | 2h19 | 10:19 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:20 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3h30 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:20 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 4h05 | 12:25 AM 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 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.
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Why should you book Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Infobus or Big Blue Bus offer buses services from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Monica, 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 Infobus or Big Blue Bus to find the best option for your trip from Santa Monica, 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 and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 42 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
There are 41 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.
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
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 42 |
Direct buses 41 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 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
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 (€19). 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
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
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.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€37)
Infobus frequency
22 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
Big Blue Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 43m
Cheapest Price
$25 (€21)
Big Blue Bus frequency
1 a day
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.
- Recommended
San Diego Museum of Art
Balboa Park's flagship art museum, known for European old masters, South Asian art, and major rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial building.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Contemporary art museum with a major La Jolla campus and strong collection of postwar and current works, plus ocean-view architecture and installations.
- Must visit
Balboa Park
San Diego's signature urban park, filled with gardens, plazas, museums, and Spanish Colonial architecture. It is one of the city's essential places to explore.
- Must visit
La Jolla Cove
A scenic coastal area known for sea lions, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most photographed ocean views in San Diego.
- Recommended
Seaport Village
A popular waterfront walking area with bay views, promenades, and public spaces near downtown, especially appealing at sunset and on casual strolls.
- Gluten-free
Fish Tacos
Baja-style fish tacos are a San Diego staple, usually made with battered or grilled local fish, cabbage, crema, and salsa in a corn tortilla.
California Burrito
A classic San Diego burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa, reflecting the city’s Mexican borderland food culture.
- Gluten-free
Carne Asada Fries
A beloved local late-night dish of fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Las Cuatro Milpas
An iconic casual spot in Barrio Logan known for house-made tortillas, rice, beans, and traditional Mexican plates with a no-frills atmosphere.
Point Loma Seafoods
A long-running waterfront seafood market and eatery loved for fresh fish sandwiches, chowder, and a classic San Diego harbor setting.
The Crack Shack
A popular casual restaurant serving upscale fried chicken, sandwiches, and local beers in a lively indoor-outdoor setting.
United States Dollar
San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near beaches and downtown.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for tacos, fast food, or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a latte or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $23 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is $33 (€27) ; 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is 2h 55m to travel the 118 miles (191 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 41 direct buses a day from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Infobus, Big Blue Bus for the best way to get you to San Diego, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Monica, CA and San Diego, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Diego, CA from Santa Monica, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Monica, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA for bus company FlixBus, Infobus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- 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, Infobus.
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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA. The following conditions apply:
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Infobus.
Since neither Santa Monica, 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA
Most Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Hantington Park to San Diego station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare Santa Monica, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Santa Monica
Arrival bus stations in San Diego
San Diego
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego from San Diego city centre
Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · $6 · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 25m · $2
910 · 41m · $6
TramBlue · 41m · $17 · every ~14 min
Blue · 43m · $17 · every ~14 min
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 20m · $1
83 · 26m · $6
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 16m · every ~18 min
Blue · 21m · every ~9 min
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
Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and Santa Monica, CA
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