- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Showing times and prices for Aug 03
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
15 h 22 m
Average duration
15 h 22 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
727 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave South San Francisco, CA for San Diego, CA on Mon, Aug 03, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct buses cover the 727 km distance in an average of 15 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 22 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest buses will take 15 h 22 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.
3:45 PM15h22South San Francisco, CA7:07 AMSan Diego, CA$721One-way0 transfers
- 3:45 PM15h22South San Francisco, CA7:07 AMSan Diego, CA$721One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $83.
Distance: 451 miles (727 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $259 Average price | $91 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 40m Average total duration 15h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 53m Average total duration 14h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is a bus with an average price of $73 (€59).
This is compared to other travel options from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $91 (€74).
A bus is $186 (€151) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $259 (€211).
The fastest way to travel from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 32m.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 23m.
Bus takes on average 15h 10m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between South San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 09:07PM | Duration 14h32 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:07AM | Duration 15h22 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:07AM | Duration 15h22 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Live departures
South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:45 PM South San Francisco, CA | 15h22 | 7:07 AM 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 South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Buses from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 15h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 (€59) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:01, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 451 miles (727 km) distance in 14h 32m.
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 451 miles (727 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€59) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 14h 32m |
First bus 4:01 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Complete guide to San Diego, CA
Things to do in San Diego, CA
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.
- Must visit
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
- Must visit
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
- Must visit
Gaslamp Quarter
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
- Must visit
La Jolla Cove
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
Fish Taco
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
California Burrito
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
- Gluten-free
Sea Urchin (Uni)
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Sushi Ota
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Mitch's Seafood
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Juniper and Ivy
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
US Dollar ($)
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
FAQs: Bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $72 (€59) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is $73 (€59) ; 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 South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is 14h 32m to travel the 451 miles (727 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 South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:01 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 11:25 PM.
A trip to San Diego, CA from South San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 32m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between South San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
No, the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Since neither South San Francisco, 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.
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 South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Most South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco
Arrival bus stations in San Diego
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
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, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
More options for your journey from South San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
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Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and South San Francisco, CA
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