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San Diego to Los Angeles bus

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San Diego - Los Angeles Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 137 intercity buses per day from San Diego to Los Angeles. Traveling by bus from San Diego to Los Angeles usually takes around 4 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance111 mi (179 km)
Shortest duration2h 5m
Cheapest price$19.99
Trips per day94
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines5

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from San Diego to Los Angeles

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

April

March 16, 2024- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Smooth, seamless, on time, economical, and comfortable

5.0

Bernadette

February 22, 2024- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Pros: Very affordable. The majority of the ride was very scenic. A very friendly employee chatted with me until the bus came & I had got there extremely early. Cons: It would be very helpful to have some Flixbus signage at the stop. Nobody was sure that they were waiting in the right place. Also, it would be nice for the employee to have shelter & someplace to sit. Tips: Look for the guy in the hi-vis vest who will let you know that you're in the right spot.

5.0

Larisa

November 23, 2022- Solo travel

Greyhound

its been my first time to go with you on this trip and its just freaking awesome!

5.0

Paul

October 7, 2022- Visiting friends

OurBus

The driver was so great

5.0

Richard

March 5, 2020- Business

Greyhound

Pros: Got me there without needing to drive. Cons: It was alittle difficult knowing how to get to the airport after the initial bus. No one seemd to know how to get tot the airport so I took a taxi. Tips: Maybe do a little more research to know how to moev on tot he next part of the journey :-).

San Diego to Los Angeles Route Map

San Diego Los Angeles

How much is a bus ticket from San Diego to Los Angeles?

A trip from San Diego to Los Angeles via bus will cost $28.26 on average. Choosing to go by bus is a budget-friendly way to travel this route. Booking earlier using Wanderu can help you find bus tickets of equal or cheaper prices.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15MarApr
December offers the lowest average price for bus tickets from San Diego to Los Angeles at around $22 per ticket. Conversely, traveling in May is pricier as average bus ticket prices increase to $35. Want in on our little secret? Booking in advance can help you score better ticket prices.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM
In the coming four weeks, bus tickets will cost around $27 to $39 to travel from San Diego to Los Angeles. If your trip is within the next week, you can expect to find the cheapest bus tickets starting from about $28.26. As your travel date approaches, the bus prices will increase. It’s best to book your tickets in advance to avoid paying higher prices.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100
Planning ahead is your ticket to saving money on bus tickets! You can avoid price hikes by booking your tickets early as your travel date nears. Secure your seats at least 29 days in advance and save an additional $20.45 or more compared to last-minute bookings.

What bus companies travel from San Diego to Los Angeles?

There are 5 bus lines from San Diego to Los Angeles available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 72 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Autobuses Monarca24h 53m$57.54
FlixBus US723h 49m$37.94
Greyhound234h 45m$36.19
Los Limousines375h 59m$38.49
Tufesa Internacional33h 6m$40.30
  • Book Autobuses Monarca from San Diego to Los Angeles from $56. There are 2 trips per day offered by Autobuses Monarca from San Diego to Los Angeles and you can expect on average to pay for a Autobuses Monarca ticket to Los Angeles. In San Diego, Autobuses Monarca departs to Los Angeles from San Ysidro CA . In Los Angeles, Autobuses Monarca arrives at 1716 7th Street and one other station.

    An average trip on Autobuses Monarca from San Diego to Los Angeles takes 4 hours and 53 minutes , while the fastest available Autobuses Monarca trip will get you to Los Angeles in 2 hours and 5 minutes .

    On weekends, Autobuses Monarca offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Los Angeles.

  • 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 72 trips per day from San Diego to Los Angeles, 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 23 bus trips from San Diego to Los Angeles every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Los Angeles usually start from $20.

  • Book Los Limousines from San Diego to Los Angeles from $36. There are 37 trips per day offered by Los Limousines from San Diego to Los Angeles and you can expect on average to pay for a Los Limousines ticket to Los Angeles. In San Diego, Los Limousines departs to Los Angeles from San Ysidro Bus Terminal and one other station. In Los Angeles, Los Limousines arrives at E Olympic Blvd & S Augusta Ave Bus Stop and 2 other stations.

    An average trip on Los Limousines from San Diego to Los Angeles takes 5 hours and 59 minutes , while the fastest available Los Limousines trip will get you to Los Angeles in 2 hours and 5 minutes .

    On weekends, Los Limousines offers 37 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Los Angeles.

  • Tufesa Internacional is the international brand of one of the largest ground transportation providers in Mexico, Tufesa. The carrier offers daily bus trips to and from several cities in the Southwestern United States, including cross-border trips between the U.S. and Mexico. On average, Tufesa Internacional runs 3 from San Diego to Los Angeles, with prices starting from $38. The carrier’s fleet features modern coaches equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities, such as onboard restrooms, reclining seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and a digital entertainment system.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey, traveling by bus from San Diego to LA offers an affordable option. Although a one-way flight from San Diego to Los Angeles will take an hour, you must reach the airport at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before your flight. This additional time increases your total travel to at least 2 hours 30 minutes. Moreover, you can expect to pay an average cost of $150, which may or may not include luggage. Not to mention the extra carbon emmissions.

Opting for a drive from San Diego to Los Angeles will take at least 2 hours and 30 minutes, if you happen to avoid LA's famous traffic nightmare. Plus, it'll end up costing you more money to pay for gas and tolls on California State Route 73.

With bus tickets costing as little as $22 per ticket and a traveling time of 3 to 4 hours, taking the bus from San Diego to Los Angeles makes an excellent option for travelers who aren’t in a rush!

Greyhound and Tufesa Internacional are bus providers for this route. Greyhound operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s advisable to arrive 20 minutes early to make sure you can secure a favorable seat. If you prefer a hassle-free seating arrangement, Tufesa Internacional assigns seats upon purchase. You cannot choose your seats, but a specific seat will be reserved for you.

The usual travel duration from San Diego to Los Angeles by bus is around 4 hours, but the quickest bus gets you there in only 2 hours and 15 minutes. This provides a fantastic opportunity to kick back and relax during your journey. Please note arrival times may fluctuate based on traffic conditions.

The buses are usually crowded on Friday as travelers travel to Los Angeles for the weekend. With this day being popular with travelers, tickets may sell out, and it is best that you book your tickets well in advance.

If you have more flexibility Tuesday is typically a better day to travel as there is a lesser crowd. You’ll have more elbow room and likely a cheaper ticket!

For the San Diego to Los Angeles route, the earliest bus departs at 5 am, while the last bus leaves at 8 pm. Be sure to search for your travel dates to access all bus timings, as schedules are subject to change.

There are 137 scheduled buses that travel from San Diego to Los Angeles every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 94 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 San Diego to Los Angeles; ticket prices start at $22.00.

City Information

San Diego

As the birthplace of California, San Diego’s heritage is immensely rooted in the tales of Spanish settlers from the 1760s. Go on a journey into Old Town San Diego, a living museum with historical buildings and sites. Afterward, wander through Point Loma for its unparalleled sights and learn more about captivating narratives at the Cabrillo National Monument.

If you love parks, San Diego is your playground, with more than 400 parks. Sprawling across 1,200 acres and home to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, where you can delve into the nocturnal realm, spend the night amidst comfortable tent cabins, immerse in the animals’ after-dark activity, and bond over s’mores by the campfire. A visit to Balboa Park is a must-have on any itinerary.

Aside from greenery, San Diego is colored blue from long miles of coastal beaches, each offering distinct charms. Pacific Beach is a fan-favorite blending visiting options for families and youthful individuals. Mission Beach is excellent for boardwalk strolls, child-friendly activities, and visits to casual bars. If things get too slow, you’ll have the option to visit the exhilarating Belmont Amusement Park.

If all the adventure leaves you thirsty, you’ll be in luck. San Diego is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts and has earned the title of the #1 city for craft beer in America. Visit the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, 16 blocks to experience its lively nightlife and bustling with youthful crowds.

San Diego extends a warm welcome to visitors, whether from afar or neighboring locales, with the San Diego International Airport, the Santa Fe Depot, and an array of bus and train services linking it to nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

Los Angeles

From its idyllic weather and stunning beaches to its many world-class museums, Los Angeles takes pride in being known as the world’s entertainment capital. You’re guaranteed to be kept entertained throughout your visit.

The north of Los Angeles is a haven for celebrity sightings and entertainment history. It’s the birthplace of Warner Bros, Paramount, and Universal Studios, which boasts several landmarks and attractions. If you feel energized, you can hike to the Hollywood sign via trails like the three-mile Burbank Peak Trail or the scenic two-mile trek starting in Griffith Park.

Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then, this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.! If catching Pokemon hasn't tired you out, you can continue taking a stroll along the many renowned beaches of Los Angeles. You can stroll down Santa Monica Beach and its 100+-year-old Santa Monica Pier while you indulge in the bustling pier activities.

Whether it’s to be captivated by astronomical wonders or the breathtaking views of the landscapes of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, the Griffith Observatory stands as a must-visit.

For action lovers, the Universal Studios Hollywood awaits. This thrilling theme park combines the excitement of amusement rides. It shows the behind-the-scenes workings of an actual movie studio. The adjacent CityWalk is great for shopping and dining if you need a break.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in San Diego?

Main departure station: 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)

Buses to Los Angeles leave from 10 stations in San Diego.

All bus stations in San Diego:

  • 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)

  • San Ysidro Transit Center

  • San Ysidro Bus Terminal

  • La Jolla - UC San Diego

  • Cross Border Xpress CBX

  • San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop

  • 789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village

  • San Ysidro CA

  • SDSU - 5716 Hardy Ave

  • Balboa Park - Presidents Way

Where does the bus arrive in Los Angeles?

Main arrival station: Downtown - Vignes Lot

Buses arrive in Los Angeles at 14 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Los Angeles:

  • Downtown - Vignes Lot

  • North Hollywood Bus Station

  • 800 N Alameda St

  • E Olympic Blvd & S Augusta Ave Bus Stop

  • Los Angeles Bus Station

  • San Fernando Bus Station

  • 592 Gayley Ave

  • 10413 Laurel Canyon Blvd Pacoima

  • West LA - Expo/Sepulveda

  • 611 Maple Ave

  • USC - 3492 S Hope St

  • 1716 7th Street

  • 1234 Laurel Canyon Blvd

  • Los Angeles Un Station Arrival

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Los Angeles to San Diego?

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