Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA bus with FlixBus

Tue, Nov 18
+ Add return
FlixBus
Infobus
Big Blue Bus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Infobus
Big Blue Bus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 19

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

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 $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.

Fast buses

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.

FlixBus
10:35PM3h50
Santa Monica, CA
02:25AMSan Diego, CA
$301One-way
0 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 €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.

Last updated at 5:37 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greyhound1:05 PM Santa Monica, CA
4h00
5:05 PM San Diego, CA0 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.

Wed
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA

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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.

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 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
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 (€18). 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 (€18)
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
$46 (€37)
Infobus frequency
21 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 26m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€46)
Big Blue Bus frequency
2 a day

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $27 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA is $30 (€24); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA bus time is 3 h 15 min   covering the 118 mile (190 km) long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4: 55AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 11: 30PM.
There are 54 buses a day from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus, Infobus or Big Blue Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA bus with FlixBus, Infobus or Big Blue Bus. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus companies for the journey to San Diego, CA from Santa Monica, CA as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
A trip to San Diego, CA from Santa Monica, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 15 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA by bus is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA including taking a bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA for bus providers FlixBus and Infobus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus companies FlixBus and Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • 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:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    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:
    • 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).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    • Infobus
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    • Infobus
      • Small pets allowed in carriers
      • Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus companies: FlixBus and Infobus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus companies: FlixBus and Infobus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus companies: FlixBus and Infobus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA

    Santa Monica
    San Diego
    San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
    information
    San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
    information
    San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s)
    information
    San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
    information
    San Diego
    information

    Most popular bus connections from Santa Monica, CA

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