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Journey Information
There are 46 intercity buses per day from San Diego to Tucson. Traveling by bus from San Diego to Tucson usually takes around 16 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 365 mi (587 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 25m |
| Cheapest price | US$38.47 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from San Diego to Tucson?
US$51.26 is the average price of a bus ticket from San Diego to Tucson. Any tickets cheaper than US$51.26 can be considered a great deal. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from San Diego to Tucson is expected to be between US$46 and US$85. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 15, 2024, when tickets are available for May 15, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just US$51.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in August. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just US$66 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from San Diego to Tucson in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$89 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 29 days in advance to save up to US$89.82.
What bus companies travel from San Diego to Tucson?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Diego to Tucson that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 34 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 34 | 14h 54m | US$80.26 |
| Greyhound | 12 | 18h 22m | US$71.58 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 34 trips per day from San Diego to Tucson, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 12 bus trips from San Diego to Tucson every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 22 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Tucson usually start from US$38.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 32 minutes to cover the 587 kilometers from San Diego to Tucson. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 25 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Tucson, book your ticket for the last day of the week."
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Diego to Tucson, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 46 scheduled buses that travel from San Diego to Tucson every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Diego to Tucson; ticket prices start at US$79.00.
City Information
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Tucson
A bright and sunny city with more than 350 days of sunshine and temperatures that rarely dip below 60, Tucson is undoubtedly one of Arizona's best vacation destinations. Those who don’t shy away from some outdoor activities should go on a hiking trip in the Saguaro National Park, where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of southwestern landscapes. Of the park's two areas, the Tucson Mountain District is the more popular one, owing to its amazing sunset views. Architecture fans could also consider visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. If you wish to learn more about the region and its unique flora and fauna, head over to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features 230 animal species and 1,200 local plant species.
It should come as no surprise that the most famous dishes in Tucson are Mexican foods, which boast spicy, sweet and smoky flavors. One of the best spots to enjoy these delicacies is at El Charro Café, which has been around since 1922. For a more eclectic menu, Feast is a good option.
The principal Amtrak train station in Tucson is on Toole Ave. The city is served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines. The main bus station is the bus terminal located at 801 E 12th St, not too far from the train station. The city’s commercial air services are fulfilled by Tucson International Airport, which is 6 miles south of the city’s center.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Diego?
Main departure station: San Ysidro Transit Center
Buses to Tucson leave from 6 stations in San Diego.
All bus stations in San Diego:
San Ysidro Transit Center
2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)
La Jolla - UC San Diego
San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop
Balboa Park - Presidents Way
SDSU - 5716 Hardy Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Tucson?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 801 E 12th St
The Bus Terminal at 801 E 12th St is one of Tucson’s central transportation hubs. This modern station’s lighted sign announces its Greyhound service, and intercity bus routes from Jefferson Lines also serve this station. Possible destinations from Tucson’s bus terminal include Phoenix, El Paso, San Diego, and the city of sin itself, Las Vegas. This station is close to Iron Horse Park and only a mile away from the Amtrak station for passengers to continue their travels via train.
Bus stations in Tucson:
Bus Terminal - 801 E 12th St
1119 E 6th St - 6th St Garage @ University of Arizona
Arco/Ampm N Freeway - 802 W Speedway Blvd
South Tucson
5621 E Broadway Blvd
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More buses from San Diego
Continue by bus from Tucson
- Tucson to Guaymas Bus
US$55+
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