Denver, CO, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $122: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Denver to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$122 by busBest price
1746 kmDistance
4h 34m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Denver 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.
Denver - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Denver and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
2h 26mEstimated price
$396-397Website
united.com
Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
2h 30mEstimated price
$396-398Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
2h 37mEstimated price
$391-399Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Denver Union Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal
Average Duration
15h 30mEstimated price
$394-12280Bus from Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal to Santa Ana Bus Stop
Average Duration
5h 30mEstimated price
$2845-2962Bus from 1100 S Main St. to San Ysidro Bus Terminal
Average Duration
12h 15mEstimated price
$2847-1222Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$2846-2847Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Denver to Sacramento
Average Duration
31h 8mEstimated price
$2960-397Train from Sacramento to Los Angeles
Average Duration
14h 23mEstimated price
$1220-190Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 54mEstimated price
$1225-1226Denver to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Denver 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 Denver to San Diego covering a distance of 1085 miles. 🏞️ Enjoy the diverse landscapes as you make your way through the Southwest.
💰 Prices for the journey range from $190 to $290, offering flexibility for different budgets. 🛣️ Take advantage of the affordability and freedom that comes with traveling by car.
🌴 Arrive in sunny San Diego after approximately 16 hours and 49 minutes of driving. 🌅 Explore the beaches, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious food that await you in this coastal city.
Average price
$190 - $290
🌟 The adventure lasts approximately 2 days and 2 hours, with transfers between trains operated by Amtrak. Enjoy the convenience of train travel as you make your way from the Mile High City to the sunny shores of San Diego.
💰 Ticket prices range from $81 to $632 for this memorable train ride. Sit back, relax, and soak in the views as you traverse from the heart of Colorado to the vibrant coastal city of San Diego.
Departure Point
Denver station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: Depending on your chosen operator, Amtrak offers a variety of catering services. On the Amtrak Southwest Chief route, for example, there are dining cars where you can sit down for meals. However, the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which runs along the coast to San Diego, provides café service, offering light snacks, beverages, and pre-packaged meals. It's advisable to bring your own snacks for the journey, as the selection on board may be limited and only available during specific hours.
• Seating Options: For this trip, you have several seating choices available with Amtrak. You can travel in Coach (Economy), which is comfortable for long journeys but can get crowded. Business Class is also available, offering wider seats and extra legroom. If you prefer luxury, First Class on other routes provides additional perks such as complimentary meals and access to exclusive lounges. Check Amtrak's website for availability on your specific travel date: amtrak.com
• Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive at San Diego's Santa Fe Depot, be prepared for a busy but manageable station. Luggage storage is available through Amtrak's checked baggage service, but make sure to check the timings as it may be limited. The station has restrooms but does not offer showers. After arriving, follow the signs to the light rail (Trolley) station just outside the depot for easy access to the city.
🛫 Flying from Denver to San Diego is a convenient and quick journey with a direct flight time of 2 hours and 20 minutes. This allows travelers to reach their sunny destination in a relatively short amount of time.
💸 Depending on the airline and timing of booking, the prices for flights between San Diego and Denver can range from $39 to $296.
Departure Point
Denver Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Starting from Denver Union Station, travelers can embark on a scenic bus journey to San Diego with transfers in Las Vegas and Santa Ana. The total trip duration, including transfers, is approximately 24 hours and 40 minutes.
🌆 Covering a distance of 1,162 miles, the route from Denver to San Diego by bus involves two main steps. The first leg consists of a Greyhound bus from Denver to Los Angeles, lasting about 22 hours and 45 minutes. The second step entails a shorter 2-hour and 40-minute ride from Los Angeles to San Diego, also operated by Greyhound.
💰 Ticket prices for the Denver to San Diego bus route can vary between $122 to $284. Travelers can expect a comfortable and convenient journey through picturesque landscapes before arriving in sunny San Diego after a full day of travel.
Departure Point
Denver Union Station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Denver to San Diego.
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The cheapest way to travel from Denver to San Diego is by flying. Flights can range from $30 to $230, depending on the airline and time of booking. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Denver to San Diego is by airplane. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes.
The distance from Denver to San Diego is approximately 1349 kilometers. If you are driving, the road distance is about 1746 kilometers.
The most convenient way to travel from Denver to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus. Greyhound is one of the main bus operators that offers direct routes between the two cities, with a travel time of approximately 26 hours and 18 minutes. The price for a bus ticket can range from $120 to $280 depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Another option is to consider flying, as there are multiple airlines that offer direct flights from Denver to San Diego, with flight times averaging around 2-3 hours and prices ranging from $100 to $300.
The duration of a trip from Denver to San Diego typically takes around 4 hours and 29 minutes, including any transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Denver to San Diego is to fly. Flights can range from $30 to $230 and take approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes. However, if you are looking for alternative options, you can also take a bus, which takes significantly longer at 26 hours and 18 minutes, with prices ranging from $120 to $280. Another option is to take a train, which is the longest journey at around 2 days and 2 hours, with prices ranging from $80 to $650.
There are numerous options for accommodations in San Diego, with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $53 per night.
Yes, you can drive from Denver to San Diego. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1746 km. It typically takes around 16 hours and 49 minutes to drive, although the exact duration may vary depending on the route taken and traffic conditions.
United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all offer flights between Denver and San Diego.
The fastest way to travel from Denver to San Diego is by taking a direct flight. The flight duration from Denver Airport to San Diego Airport is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate flights on this route. The total travel time by plane is around 4 hours and 29 minutes, which includes check-in, security, and layover times. Flight prices can range from $34 to $226, depending on the airline and time of booking.
The flight from Denver to San Diego typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Trains from Denver to San Diego arrive at the San Diego station. Amtrak is the operator for this route.
Yes, there is no direct train between Denver and San Diego. However, you can take a train from Denver to San Diego with transfers. The train journey includes transfers in Sacramento and Los Angeles. The total travel time for this route is approximately 2 days and 2 hours.
To catch the train from Denver to San Diego you will need to head to the Denver station. This is where the Amtrak-operated train services depart from. It is advisable to check the Amtrak schedule and purchase tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
The cost of a flight from Denver to San Diego can range from $30 to $230.
The cost of a train ticket from Denver to San Diego can range between $81 to $632 depending on the class of service chosen and the time of booking.
The cost of a bus from Denver to San Diego ranges from $127 to $272.
The cost to drive from Denver to San Diego typically ranges from $190 to $290, depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, gas prices, and any additional expenses along the way. This estimate includes fuel costs for the approximately 1200-mile journey and any tolls or parking fees that may be encountered.