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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Showing times and prices for Apr 02
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$167
Fastest journey
13 h 5 m
Average duration
14 h 15 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
738 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from 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 San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $167 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Fast buses
Of the 12 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Apr 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct buses cover the 738 km distance in an average of 14 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 5 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest buses will take 15 h 15 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.
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner7:45 AM15h22San Francisco, CA11:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$741One-way1 transfer- 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner10:35 PM14h32San Francisco, CA1:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$741One-way1 transfer
undefined · undefined6:30 AM17h20San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2911:50 PMSan Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA$1691One-way1 transfer- undefined · undefined6:30 AM17h55San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:25 AMSan Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center$1701One-way1 transfer
FlixBus · FlixBus7:30 AM15h15San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA10:45 PMSan Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center$1711One-way1 transfer
- 10:40 PM13h05San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2911:45 AMSan Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA$2411One-way0 transfers
- 10:40 PM13h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:20 PMSan Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center$2351One-way0 transfers
- 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner10:35 PM14h32San Francisco, CA1:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$741One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:30 AM14h45San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA10:15 PMSan Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA$1711One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:30 AM15h15San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA10:45 PMSan Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center$1711One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 458 miles (738 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $262 Average price |
13h 21m Average total duration 12h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 18m Average total duration 12h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company | Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 11:07PM | Duration 15h22 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 22h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 01:07PM | Duration 14h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $120 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| undefined · undefined | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 17h55 | 7:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
| undefined · undefined | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 17h20 | 6:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 2:30 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 16h20 | 6:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:30 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 14h45 | 5:15 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:30 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 15h15 | 5:45 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
| 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 2:45 PM San Francisco, CA | 15h22 | 6:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
| undefined · undefined+FlixBus | 11:00 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 22h10 | 9:10 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 25 times per day, taking around 12h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 12h 55m.
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 458 miles (738 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 55m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $60 (€49). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 55m
Cheapest Price
$66 (€54)
FlixBus frequency
10 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13h 5m
Cheapest Price
$60 (€49)
Greyhound frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from 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 San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as $60 (€49) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is $84 (€68) ; 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 San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is 12h 55m to travel the 458 miles (738 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 San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 11:25 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to San Diego, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Diego, CA from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither 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.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users.
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 San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
San Francisco
San Diego
The major bus station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street for your trip from San Francisco to San Diego.
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
The major bus station for arrivals in San Diego is San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) for your trip to San Diego from San Francisco.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
information
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
information
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
information
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA
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