- 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.
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
13 h 55 m
Average duration
13 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
495 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tempe, AZ 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 Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA will cost around $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 1 buses that leave Tempe, AZ for San Diego, CA on Thu, Jul 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 495 km distance in an average of 13 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 55 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 13 h 55 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 Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a flight costs an average of $49.
Distance: 307 miles (495 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $127 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 45m Average total duration 11h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $65 (€53) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA costing on average $127 (€105).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 15m.
Tickets start at around $63 (€51) compared to roughly $72 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $9 (€8). The journey takes 11h 15m versus 5h 15m 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.
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 04:50AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
The table below shows live departures for Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:50 AM Tempe, AZ | 13h55 | 6:45 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA run on average 21 times per day, taking around 11h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 21:50. The fastest bus covers the 307 miles (495 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 307 miles (495 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
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.
Balboa Park's flagship art museum, known for European old masters, South Asian art, and major rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial building.
Contemporary art museum with a major La Jolla campus and strong collection of postwar and current works, plus ocean-view architecture and installations.
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.
A scenic coastal area known for sea lions, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most photographed ocean views in San Diego.
A popular waterfront walking area with bay views, promenades, and public spaces near downtown, especially appealing at sunset and on casual strolls.
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.
A classic San Diego burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa, reflecting the city’s Mexican borderland food culture.
A beloved local late-night dish of fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
An iconic casual spot in Barrio Logan known for house-made tortillas, rice, beans, and traditional Mexican plates with a no-frills atmosphere.
A long-running waterfront seafood market and eatery loved for fresh fish sandwiches, chowder, and a classic San Diego harbor setting.
A popular casual restaurant serving upscale fried chicken, sandwiches, and local beers in a lively indoor-outdoor setting.
San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near beaches and downtown.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tempe, AZ 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 Tempe, AZ to San Diego, CA buses use the Phoenix, Bus Station (E Buckeye Rd) 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 Tempe, AZ and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need