- 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 on Sep 06
$206
Average ticket price on Sep 06
$215
Fastest journey on Sep 06
1 d 18 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 06
1 d 19 h 56 m
Buses on Sep 06
13
Distance
2512 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA will cost around $215 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $206.
It's difficult to get from St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $229 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 9h 22m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $229, while a train costs an average of $304.
Distance: 1560 miles (2512 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$229 Average price Cheapest | $304 Average price | $246 Average price | $389 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
39h 10m Average total duration 38h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 61h 24m Average total duration 60h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 22m Average total duration Fastest 7h 22m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 26h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $17 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA costing on average $246.
A bus is $75 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA costing on average $304.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 38h 40m.
Train takes on average 60h 54m.
Tickets start at around $229 compared to roughly $389 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $160. The journey takes 38h 40m versus 26h 33m 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.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 43h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 53h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 52h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 51h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $190 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 44h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $181 |
The table below shows live departures for St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 1:20 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 43h00 | 6:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 1:20 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 46h55 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 1:20 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 42h25 | 5:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 8:40 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 53h05 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 8:40 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 53h40 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 9:10 AM St. Louis, Lambert International Airport | 52h25 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 9:10 AM St. Louis, Lambert International Airport | 52h35 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 9:10 AM St. Louis, Lambert International Airport | 53h10 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 9:10 AM St. Louis, Lambert International Airport | 52h45 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 4:00 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 51h45 | 5:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 5:15 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 44h20 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 5:15 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 45h15 | 12:30 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 5:15 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 44h40 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 38h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $134 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:20, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 1560 miles (2512 km) distance in 49h 10m.
Distance 1560 miles (2512 km) |
Average bus duration 38h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 49h 10m |
First bus 1:20 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 6 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 St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to San Diego, CA buses use the St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). Use this guide to compare St. Louis, MO and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center). ATMs are available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center).
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center).
Available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
St. Louis, Lambert International Airport is 19 km from St. Louis city centre. Public transport options include:
St. Louis, Lambert International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options available in terminals.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are aTMs available in terminal areas.
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis, Lambert International Airport.
Available at St. Louis, Lambert International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis, Lambert International Airport: Wheelchair accessible facilities available.
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.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons 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.
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