San Diego, CA, USA to Tucson, AZ, USA from $26: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Diego to Tucson: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$26 by trainBest price
591 kmDistance
2h 44m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Tucson 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.
San Diego - Tucson operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Tucson, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Tucson (TUS)
Average Duration
2h 44mEstimated price
$155-504Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Phoenix (PHX)
Average Duration
1h 18mEstimated price
$5040-5041Website
aa.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Phoenix (PHX)
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$5042-5044Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Tucson (TUS) via Phoenix
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$5042-5043Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$263-264Train from Los Angeles to Tucson Amtrak Station
Average Duration
9h 28mEstimated price
$263-1556Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from San Diego to Riverside
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$1752-50470Bus from Riverside to Tucson
Average Duration
8h 15mEstimated price
$264-1557Contact phone
+52 664 104 7400Website
abc.com.mx
Bus from Tijuana to Puerto Peñasco
Average Duration
8h 10mEstimated price
$5045-268Contact phone
+1 602 442 6802Website
nenasshuttles.com
Shuttle from Puerto Peñasco to Tucson
Average Duration
4h 30mEstimated price
$1550-1550San Diego to Tucson: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego and Tucson 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 picturesque road trip from sunny San Diego to the vibrant desert city of Tucson covering a driving distance of 412 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes as you journey through Southern California and into Arizona.
💰 Experience budget-friendly travel with prices ranging from $75 to $110 for the drive from San Diego to Tucson. Take advantage of the flexibility of a road trip, allowing you to explore charming towns and scenic stops along the way.
🌵 Arrive in Tucson after approximately 6 hours and 26 minutes of driving time, ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty that this southwestern city has to offer. Enjoy a seamless journey filled with adventure and excitement.
Average price
$75 - $110
🚂 Traveling by train from San Diego to Tucson involves a journey with a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 13 hours and 24 minutes. Amtrak operates the train services on this route.
🌵 The scenic route covers a distance of 627 miles, taking passengers through picturesque landscapes as they make their way towards Tucson. The train journey offers a comfortable and relaxing way to travel between these two cities in the southwestern United States.
🎟️ Ticket prices for the train ride from San Diego to Tucson may vary, ranging from $26 to $264.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Tucson Amtrak Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from San Diego to Tucson, Amtrak is the primary operator providing service. They offer a Café Car that serves snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can enjoy options like sandwiches, salads, and coffee. It’s a good idea to check the menu ahead of time to plan your meals during the trip.
• Amtrak provides various seating options on this route. You can choose from Economy Class, which offers standard seating, or opt for Business Class for more spacious seating and complimentary drinks. If you’re looking for more comfort, consider upgrading to First Class, which includes wider seats and premium service.
• Upon arrival at Tucson Amtrak Station, expect to navigate a smaller station compared to larger city hubs. They do offer luggage storage for a fee, allowing you to explore the area without your bags. Restrooms are available, but there are no shower facilities. Plan your trip early, as the station doesn’t have extensive amenities.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from San Diego to Tucson with a direct flight lasting only 1h 15m, offered by American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
🏜️ The total flying time to reach Tucson from San Diego is just 2h 44m, allowing for a smooth and efficient travel experience between these two vibrant cities.
💸 Depending on the airline and time of booking, the prices for flights from Tucson to San Diego can range from $155 to $504, offering flexibility to suit different travel budgets.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Tucson Airport
🚌 With a journey time of 12 hours and 47 minutes, traveling by bus from San Diego to Tucson offers an affordable option ranging from $46 to $172.
🚌 Route options vary between around 557 to 657 miles, with transfers in cities such as San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Houston, depending on the chosen itinerary.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider taking Route 1 for a more direct journey with only one transfer; it will save you time, taking approximately 12 hours and 55 minutes from San Diego to Tucson.
• During your transfer at the San Bernardino Greyhound Station, take note of the nearby dining options such as Del Taco and Starbucks to grab a quick meal before continuing your trip.
• Upon arriving at the Tucson Greyhound Station, familiarize yourself with local transit options right outside the station, like Sun Tran buses, to easily reach your final destination; for schedules, visit suntran.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to Tucson.
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The distance between San Diego and Tucson is approximately 591 km by road. It takes about 3 hours and 38 minutes to travel by plane, 5 hours and 49 minutes by flying to Phoenix and then taking a bus, and 6 hours and 26 minutes by car. If you prefer public transportation, it takes 13 hours and 24 minutes by train or 13 hours and 25 minutes by bus to reach Tucson from San Diego.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Tucson is by train, with prices ranging from $26 to $270. Although it is a longer journey, taking approximately 13 hours and 24 minutes, it offers a lower cost option for budget-conscious travelers. However, for those looking for a more time-efficient option, flying is the quickest way to travel between the two cities. With flight durations of around 3 hours and 38 minutes and prices ranging from $120 to $430, it is a convenient and time-saving choice.
The prices for a train ticket from San Diego to Tucson can range from $26 to $264 depending on the class and availability. Alternatively, the price for a bus ticket from Tucson to San Diego can vary from $52 to $181 depending on the bus company and the type of seat chosen.
To get from San Diego to Tucson without using public transportation, you can choose to drive your own car. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 663 km, and it takes around 6 hours and 26 minutes. The cost for gas and tolls may vary, but typically it ranges from $75 to $110 for the round trip.
The best way to travel from San Diego to Tucson without a car is by taking a train. The train journey takes approximately 13 hours and 24 minutes and costs between $26 and $270. Another option is to fly, which takes about 3 hours and 38 minutes and costs between $120 and $430. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes around 13 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $50 and $190.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and Tucson, but it requires a transfer in Los Angeles. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and 24 minutes. Additionally, there is no direct bus service between the two cities, but there is a bus route that includes a transfer in Los Angeles and takes about 13 hours and 25 minutes.
The flight distance between San Diego and Tucson is approximately 591 km and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes on a direct flight. The cost of a flight between the two cities usually ranges from $121 to $425, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Tucson. With over 579 hotels to choose from, you'll have a range of choices to suit your preferences and budget. Prices start at $47, so there are options available for different price ranges.