Phoenix, AZ, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $39: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Phoenix to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$39 by busBest price
484 kmDistance
2h 45m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Phoenix to San Diego with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Phoenix - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Phoenix and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Phoenix Airport to San Diego Airport
Average Duration
1h 13mEstimated price
$413-414Website
aa.com
Plane from Phoenix Airport to San Diego Airport
Average Duration
1h 19mEstimated price
$390-415Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from Phoenix Airport to San Diego Airport
Average Duration
1h 18mEstimated price
$410-416Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Phoenix Bus Station to Calexico Bus Station
Average Duration
4h 15mEstimated price
$417-418Bus from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport/44th Street Station to Riverside
Average Duration
5h 35mEstimated price
$419-95Bus from Riverside to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 30mEstimated price
$2050-2051Contact phone
+52 664 104 7400Website
abc.com.mx
Bus from Mexicali to Tijuana
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$35-35Phoenix to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Phoenix and San Diego offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🌵 Embark on a scenic road trip from Phoenix to San Diego covering 357 miles of diverse landscapes and breathtaking desert views during the 5-hour and 48-minute drive.
🚗 Depending on gas prices and vehicle efficiency, budget-conscious travelers can expect to spend between $65 and $95 on fuel for the journey to sunny San Diego from the vibrant city of Phoenix.
Average price
$65 - $95
Useful tips for train travellers
• When traveling from Phoenix to San Diego, Amtrak is the main operator on this route, providing comfortable seating options including Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class offers larger seats and complimentary snacks, while Coach Class has standard seating. Be sure to book in advance to secure your preferred seat type.
• Onboard catering services provided by Amtrak include a dedicated cafe car where you can purchase sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Additionally, meals are available in Business Class, offering a selection of fresh options that cater to various dietary needs. It’s a good idea to have some cash or a card ready as not all services may accept the same payment methods.
• Upon arriving at San Diego's Santa Fe Depot, be aware that there are luggage storage facilities available, allowing you to explore without carrying your bags. You can also find restroom facilities in the station. For the fastest route to the city center, hop on the San Diego Trolley Line (blue line) from the station. Board the Trolley right outside the depot, which will take you to various stops in downtown San Diego, making it easy to access hotels and major attractions.
🛫 Flying from Phoenix Airport to San Diego Airport is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights typically taking just 1 hour and 10 minutes.
💸 Depending on the airline and time of booking, the cost of a flight from Phoenix to San Diego can vary between $41 and $205, making it a relatively affordable journey for those looking to explore the sunny shores of California.
Departure Point
Phoenix Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Starting from Phoenix 🌵 it takes approximately 9 hours and 16 minutes to reach the beautiful coastal city of San Diego. The bus prices can range from $39 to $145 for this journey, offering a budget-friendly travel option.
🚌 Route options from Phoenix to San Diego vary in duration and transfers. One route involves a transfer in Los Angeles with a total travel time of 13 hours and 40 minutes, covering a distance of 526 miles. Another route takes 13 hours and 9 minutes with 2 transfers, providing different travel experiences for passengers.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Take advantage of the scenic stretches between Phoenix and San Diego; particularly the area around the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park offers beautiful views, so have your camera ready and check bus schedules to ensure you can get a glimpse of the landscape along the way.
• When transferring in Los Angeles, allow yourself plenty of time between buses since you'll be switching operators (from Greyhound to FlixBus or Metro); download the Metro app (metro.net) to easily navigate public transport while in LA.
• Upon arriving at the San Diego Old Town Transit Center, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area; it's close to many eateries and shops, and you can catch local transit (MTS) to downtown San Diego, which is just a quick ride away - check routes here: sdmts.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Phoenix to San Diego.
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The distance between Phoenix and San Diego is approximately 484 km by road. By plane, it takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel from Phoenix to San Diego. However, if you prefer to drive, it would take approximately 5 hours and 48 minutes to cover the distance by car. Alternatively, if you choose to take the bus, the travel time between the two cities is about 9 hours and 6 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Phoenix to San Diego is by plane. Flying takes only 2 hours and 40 minutes, and tickets can range from $35 to $200 depending on the airline and time of booking. This option saves significant travel time compared to other modes of transportation like bus or car. Taking a bus, while more cost-effective, takes approximately 9 hours and 6 minutes and costs between $35 and $110.
The prices for traveling by bus between San Diego and Phoenix range from $38 to $110.
To travel from Phoenix to San Diego without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 574 km, and it takes around 5 hours and 48 minutes to drive from Phoenix to San Diego. The cost of driving will vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency, but it can range from $65 to $95 for a one-way trip.
If you don't have access to a car, the most convenient option to travel from Phoenix to San Diego is by bus. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 6 minutes and tickets can range from $35 to $110.
The flight between Phoenix and San Diego typically takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. The cost of a flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability, with prices ranging from $36 to $195.
There are numerous accommodations available near San Diego, with a wide range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. There are over 1163 hotels to choose from, with prices starting at $53 per night.