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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Tucson to Santa Ana. Traveling by bus from Tucson to Santa Ana usually takes around 12 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 416 mi (669 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $47.48 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Tucson to Santa Ana?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Tucson to Santa Ana that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 12h 41m | $109.04 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 12h 52m | $75.14 |
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 2 trips per day from Tucson to Santa Ana, 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 3 bus trips from Tucson to Santa Ana every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 52 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Santa Ana usually start from $45.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 51 minutes to cover the 416 miles from Tucson to Santa Ana. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 40 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Tucson to Santa Ana for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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 Santa Ana, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Tucson to Santa Ana, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Tucson to Santa Ana 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 Tucson to Santa Ana; ticket prices start at $61.00.
City Information
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.
Santa Ana
Image credit: Unsplash
Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centers. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.
One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.
The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway bus or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Tucson?
Main departure 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.
All bus stations in Tucson:
Bus Terminal - 801 E 12th St
1119 E 6th St - 6th St Garage @ University of Arizona
Where does the bus arrive in Santa Ana?
Main arrival station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
All buses from Tucson arrive at one main station in Santa Ana.
All bus stations in Santa Ana:
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Santa Ana to Tucson?
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