Cheap bus tickets from Sacramento to San Diego
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Bus from Sacramento to San Diego: Journey Information
There are 11 intercity buses per day from Sacramento to San Diego. Traveling by bus from Sacramento to San Diego usually takes around 16 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 473 mi (761 km) |
| Shortest duration | 13h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $67.97 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Sacramento to San Diego Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Sacramento to San Diego?
There are usually 13 daily train trips available from Sacramento to San Diego.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$129.06 | Avg. Price$121.77Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips11 | Daily Trips13 |
Duration | Duration16h 45m | Duration14h 35mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Sacramento to San Diego:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Sacramento to San Diego?
Bus tickets for a trip from Sacramento to San Diego cost $78.67 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Sacramento to San Diego by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Sacramento to San Diego in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $69 to $117. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 15, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to San Diego this week, bus tickets are available starting at $89.
Average bus ticket prices from Sacramento to San Diego by month
Taking the bus from Sacramento to San Diego is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $98. If you're planning to take the bus from Sacramento to San Diego during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $124. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $86.75 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Sacramento to San Diego?
There are multiple buses that travel from Sacramento to San Diego, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 8 | 17h 3m | $130.36 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 15h 30m | $123.48 |
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 8 bus trips from Sacramento to San Diego every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to San Diego usually start from $67.97.
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 3 trips per day from Sacramento to San Diego, and the average ticket for this route costs only $123.48.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Sacramento to San Diego
Bus tickets for a trip from Sacramento to San Diego cost $78.67 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
There are 11 scheduled buses that travel from Sacramento to San Diego every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Sacramento to San Diego; ticket prices start at $89.
TRIPS PER DAY
11
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 473 miles from Sacramento to San Diego. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 15 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
473
DISTANCE (KM)
761
The first bus leaves at 6:45am and the last bus leaves at 10:05pm. To see the times for all buses from Sacramento to San Diego, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
6:45am
LATEST BUS
10:05pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
City Information
Sacramento
As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.
Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.
The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Sacramento?
Main departure station: 420 Richards Blvd
Most buses depart from the main station in Sacramento.
All bus stations in Sacramento:
- 420 Richards Blvd
Where does the bus arrive in San Diego?
Main arrival station: San Ysidro Transit Center
Buses arrive in San Diego at 6 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in San Diego:
- San Ysidro Transit Center
- 789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village
- La Jolla - UC San Diego
- San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop
- 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)
- San Ysidro Bus Terminal
Need a return trip from San Diego to Sacramento?
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