Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to Washington DC
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Bus from San Diego, CA to Washington DC: Journey Information
There are 13 intercity buses per day from San Diego, CA to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from San Diego, CA to Washington DC usually takes around 3 days, 9 hours, and 6 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 days, 17 hours, and 45 minutes.
- Distance
- 2270 mi (3653 km)
- Shortest duration
- 65h 45m
- Cheapest price
- €139.24
- Trips per day
- 13
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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San Diego, CA to Washington DC Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from San Diego, CA to Washington DC:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Washington DC?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Diego, CA to Washington DC cost about €140 when you book at the cheapest time, 24 days ahead. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Washington DC. 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 San Diego, CA to Washington DC by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from San Diego, CA to Washington DC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from €141 to €245. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 6, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Washington DC this week, bus tickets are available starting at €180.
Average bus ticket prices from San Diego, CA to Washington DC by month
Taking the bus from San Diego, CA to Washington DC is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only €240. If you're planning to take the bus from San Diego, CA to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €443. 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 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to €203.29 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from San Diego, CA to Washington DC?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Diego, CA to Washington DC. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 13 | 81h 6m | €252.49 |
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 13 trips per day from San Diego, CA to Washington DC, and the average ticket for this route costs only €252.49.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Diego, CA to Washington DC
There are 13 scheduled buses that travel from San Diego, CA to Washington DC 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, CA to Washington DC; ticket prices start at €329.
Trips per day
13
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 3 days, 9 hours, and 6 minutes to cover the 2,270 miles from San Diego, CA to Washington DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 days, 17 hours, and 45 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)
2270
Distance (km)
3653
The first bus leaves at 9:25 AM and the last bus leaves at 10:55 PM. To see the times for all buses from San Diego, CA to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
9:25am
Latest bus
10:55pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from San Diego, CA to Washington DC 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, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Saturday
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.
Washington DC



Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Diego, CA?
Main departure station: La Jolla - UC San Diego
Buses to Washington DC leave from 4 stations in San Diego, CA.
All bus stations in San Diego, CA:
- La Jolla - UC San Diego
- 789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village
- 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)
- San Ysidro Transit Center
Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Buses arrive in Washington DC at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
- Dupont Cir CT Ave
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington DC to San Diego, CA?
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