- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price
€23
Average price
€26
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
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 €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €23.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Diego, CA on Mon, Aug 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 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 2 h 55 m .
On Mon, Aug 17 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.




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 €19. 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 €19, and a flight costs an average of €94.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€27 Average price Cheapest | €345 Average price | €29 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is €318 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Monica, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €345.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 38m.
Tickets start at around €27 compared to roughly €29 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 08:04AM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:49AM | Duration 2h19 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:49PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:49PM | Duration 3h19 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:19PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:19PM | Duration 2h19 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:49PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator Futura Net | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:49PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €29 |
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.
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 €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.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price €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 |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
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.

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.
San Diego has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There are fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego. ATMs are available at San Diego.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego.
Available at San Diego: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
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