- 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 14
€385
Average ticket price on Sep 14
€394
Fastest journey on Sep 14
2 d 23 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
2 d 23 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 14
2
Distance
3653 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to San Diego, CA will cost around €394 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €385.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 2 buses from Washington, DC to San Diego, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 3653 km distance in an average of 2 d 23 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 23 h 35 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 2 d 23 h 35 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €288 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 9h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €288, while a train costs an average of €1975.
Distance: 2269 miles (3653 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€288 Average price Cheapest | €499 Average price | €1975 Average price | €437 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
62h 49m Average total duration 62h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 27m Average total duration Fastest 7h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 69h 44m Average total duration 69h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to San Diego, CA:
A bus is €211 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to San Diego, CA costing on average €499.
A bus is €1687 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to San Diego, CA costing on average €1975.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 62h 19m.
Train takes on average 69h 14m.
Tickets start at around €288 compared to roughly €437 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €149. The journey takes 62h 19m versus 38h 48m 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 02:10AM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 71h10 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €187 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 70h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €297 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 71h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €263 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 67h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 67h25 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €109 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 63h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €405 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 73h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 71h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €385 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 71h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €146 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 69h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €136 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to San Diego, CA buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:50 AM Washington, DC | 67h25 | 5:15 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Washington, DC to San Diego, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 62h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €134 but you can travel from only €98 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 2269 miles (3653 km) distance in 56h 45m.
Distance 2269 miles (3653 km) |
Average bus duration 62h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €134 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 56h 45m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to San Diego, CA buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station 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 Washington, DC and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) is 1 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). ATMs are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Ticket office support is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Sidewalks and crosswalks are wheelchair accessible.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need