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San Francisco, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $40: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
San Diego, United States

How to Get from San Francisco to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$40 by busBest price
741 kmDistance
3h 22m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  22m
Estimated price
$74-285
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
17h  20m
Estimated price
$32-257
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 741 km
Duration: 3h 22m

See more options

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
10h  55m
Estimated price
$40-140
Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
4h  30m
Estimated price
$49-297
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
12h  46m
Estimated price
$57-121
Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
3h  25m
Estimated price
$61-296
Company
various
BART
Bus
Average Duration
12h  20m
Estimated price
$64-95
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  23m
Estimated price
$90-140
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  57m
Estimated price
$115-427
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to San Diego

The journey from San Francisco to San Diego offers a delightful contrast between the iconic fog and hilly landscapes of the north and the sunny beaches and laid-back vibe of the south.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs.
• Historic architecture blended with modern attractions.
La Jolla
• Stunning coastal views and beautiful beaches.
• Upscale dining and shopping experiences abound.
Little Italy
• Renowned for delicious Italian cuisine and cafes.
• Lively farmer’s market every Saturday.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Visiting San Diego offers various attractions that shine at different times.

Balboa Park
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy the gardens and museums with fewer crowds.
San Diego Zoo
Mornings right at opening time offer a cooler experience and more animal activity.
Coronado Beach
Late afternoon during weekdays grants beautiful sunset views and a quieter beach.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Visiting in spring and fall often provides the best balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Diego

For a truly unique experience, try the fish tacos at Las Cuatro Milpas, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients meet traditional techniques, reflecting a rich Mexican heritage that contrasts with San Francisco’s farm-to-table scene. The casual, outdoor atmosphere and bold flavors provide a refreshing change, making every bite a taste of San Diego’s coastal culture.

San Francisco - San Diego operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$90-420
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$95-460
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 42m
Estimated price
$110-470
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
1h 33m
Estimated price
$60-460
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Diego via San Jose and Los Angeles

Average Duration
17h 20m
Estimated price
$32-257
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles to Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
13h 39m
Estimated price
$5-85
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop

Average Duration
12h 35m
Estimated price
$55-120
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to San Diego

Average Duration
10h 55m
Estimated price
$40-140
Contact phone
+1 408-729-7885
Website
xedohoang.com

Bus from San José, CA to Lucky Seafood - San Diego, CA

Average Duration
8h 30m
Estimated price
$55-75

San Francisco to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco 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 an exciting road trip from San Francisco to San Diego, spanning 811.1 km of scenic highways. Enjoy a leisurely drive that takes approximately 8 hours and 23 minutes, with plenty of breathtaking views along the way. 💸 Navigate through budget-friendly options ranging from $90 to $140 for the journey from San Francisco to San Diego by car. Take advantage of the flexibility to choose the best route and make pit stops at charming towns and attractions en route to soak in the California sun. 🌴 Arrive in sunny San Diego after your picturesque drive, ready to explore the city's vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Your road trip adventure from the Bay Area to Southern California promises a memorable experience filled with diverse landscapes and endless possibilities for fun and relaxation.
Average price
$90 - $140
🚆 The journey from San Francisco to San Diego by train takes approximately 17 hours and 20 minutes with transfers in San Jose and Los Angeles. 🌊 Route 1 spans a distance of 962.4 km and involves 2 transfers. The first step includes a train towards San Jose Diridon, followed by a second step towards Los Angeles, and finally, reaching San Diego. The various train agencies along the route such as Caltrain and Amtrak ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience. 🌆 Travelers can expect prices for the train journey between San Francisco and San Diego to range from $32 to $257, depending on the class and type of service chosen.
Departure Point
San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from San Francisco to San Diego, consider taking the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service. The onboard catering services include a Café Car that offers a selection of snacks, hot meals, alcoholic drinks, and regional specialties typical of California. You can expect to find options like sandwiches, salads, and local wines to enhance your journey.
• The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provides various seating options including Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class seats are more spacious and come with additional amenities such as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and the option for quieter surroundings. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly travel, Coach Class offers standard seating that is comfortable but less private.
• While you have the option of different operators for your trip, primarily consider Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Pacific Surfliner (pacificsurfliner.com). For an alternative scenic route, check out the Coaster train service (gonctd.com) that connects various coastal cities. Upon arrival in San Diego, you’ll arrive at the Santa Fe Depot, which is a beautiful historic station. There are luggage storage services available at the station, and restrooms can be easily accessed. Unfortunately, no showers are provided at the station. For the fastest route to the city center, head to the nearby trolley station and catch the MTS Green Line towards Santee, which takes about 12 minutes to reach the city center.
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to San Diego is a quick and convenient journey, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 25 minutes. 💸 Depending on the airline and time of booking, prices for flights between San Francisco and San Diego can range from $74 to $285, offering flexibility for budget-conscious travelers.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚍 The overnight bus from San Francisco to San Diego operated by Flixbus USA takes approximately 10 hours and 55 minutes, departing and arriving at designated stations. 🌉 Route 1 offers a 13-hour and 50-minute journey covering a distance of 869.0 km with one transfer in Los Angeles before reaching Tijuana Central Bus Term in San Diego. Greyhound is the agency for the bus services on this route, providing a comfortable and scenic trip for passengers. 🏝️ For those looking for alternative routes, Route 2 and Route 3 present longer journeys with additional transfers, providing travelers with options based on their preferences and schedules.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
San Diego station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to San Diego.

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The distance between San Francisco and San Diego is approximately 741.9 km or 811.4 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train, it takes approximately 17 hours and 19 minutes, while taking BART and a bus takes around 12 hours and 23 minutes. By plane, the travel time is reduced significantly to approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes. By car, it takes about 8 hours and 23 minutes, and by bus, the travel time is around 12 hours and 46 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to San Diego is to fly. With a flight duration of 3 hours and 22 minutes, it is the quickest way to reach your destination. Although the cost may vary, it is generally affordable, with prices ranging from $60 to $290. Alternatively, taking a night bus is another cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $40 to $140 and a travel time of approximately 10 hours and 55 minutes.
The prices for traveling from San Francisco to San Diego by train range from $32 to $257, depending on the type of ticket and class chosen. For bus travel between San Diego and San Francisco, prices can range from $57 to $121, again depending on the type of ticket and bus company.
To travel from San Francisco to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 811.1 km, and it takes around 8 hours and 23 minutes to drive. The cost of driving from San Francisco to San Diego by car can range from $90 to $140, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from San Francisco to San Diego without a car, you have a few options. The fastest and most convenient way is to take a flight, which takes about 3 hours and 22 minutes. Another option is to use public transportation, such as BART and bus, which takes around 12 hours and 23 minutes. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus, which takes about 12 hours and 46 minutes.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and San Diego by bus. Flixbus USA operates an overnight bus service that departs from San Francisco and arrives in San Diego, with a journey time of approximately 10 hours and 55 minutes. However, for train travel, there is no direct route between the two cities. Passengers can take a train from San Francisco Caltrain station to San Jose and then transfer to a train heading to Los Angeles. From Los Angeles, they can transfer again to reach San Diego, with a total journey time of around 17 hours and 19 minutes.
The flight from San Francisco to San Diego typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary, ranging from around $64 to $285.
There are plenty of accommodation options in San Diego, with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53, catering to a range of budgets.