Boston, MA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $113: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Boston to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$113 - PlaneBest price
4175 kmDistance
7h 33m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Boston 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.
Boston - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Boston and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
jetblue.com
Plane from Boston (BOS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
$5226-1137Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from Boston (BOS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
6h 35mEstimated price
$5227-5228Website
aa.com
Plane from Boston (BOS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
6h 35mEstimated price
$5227-5228Website
southwest.com
Plane from Boston (BOS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
8h 31mEstimated price
$3123-1137Website
united.com
Plane from Boston (BOS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
8h 41mEstimated price
$5220-5221Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Boston (BOS) to New York Penn Station
Average Duration
3h 44mEstimated price
$3126-5861Train from New York Penn Station to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Average Duration
31h 47mEstimated price
$5866-5867Train from New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal to Los Angeles
Average Duration
46h 35mEstimated price
$5868-1133Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 54mEstimated price
$1743-5862Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Boston to Port Authority Bus Terminal
Average Duration
4h 20mEstimated price
$3251-7734Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to St Louis Bus Station
Average Duration
23hEstimated price
$1135-1742Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal
Average Duration
34h 30mEstimated price
$1138-1136Bus from Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal to Santa Ana Bus Stop
Average Duration
5h 30mEstimated price
$3252-3253Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$3255-3129Contact phone
1-800-343-9999Website
peterpanbus.com
Bus from South Station, Boston, MA to Port Authority Bus Terminal
Average Duration
4h 20mEstimated price
$1743-3254Boston to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Boston 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 epic road trip from historic Boston to sunny San Diego, covering a distance of 3041 miles.
🌉 Enjoy the scenic drive through diverse landscapes and charming towns, with an approximate driving time of 2 days.
💰 Experience the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $550 to $800 for the journey from Boston to the vibrant coastal city of San Diego.
Average price
$550 - $800
While there's no direct route, you can expect a journey lasting approximately 3 days and 16 hours, with transfers in cities like New York, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.
🌉 Route options vary, with distances ranging from 3,703 to 4,035 miles and typically involving 3 transfers. Depending on the route chosen, you may pass through iconic train stations such as Washington Union Station and Chicago Union Station on your way to sunny San Diego.
🏖️ Whether you opt for Route 1, Route 2, Route 3, or Route 4, your scenic train adventure promises a unique travel experience across the country, showcasing the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities along the way.
Departure Point
Boston station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Boston to San Diego, you can enjoy onboard catering services provided by Amtrak, which operates the route. Amtrak offers the 'diner' experience, where you can order meals, snacks, and beverages to enjoy during your journey. Don't forget to check the menu and dining hours upon boarding to ensure you get your preferred meal options.
• For your trip, Amtrak provides different seating options: Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class seats offer more legroom, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and access to the lounge at select stations. Coach Class seats are more economical but still comfortable and recline for rest. Be sure to book in advance to secure the best available option for your budget.
• Upon arriving in San Diego, you'll find that the Santa Fe Depot is conveniently located near the city center. One useful tip is to use the station's luggage storage service, which allows you to explore the area unencumbered by your bags—ideal for a few hours before checking into your hotel. The depot has restrooms, but showers are not available. Expect to see public transit options right outside the station for easy access to the city.
🛫 Traveling from Boston to San Diego by plane is a convenient option with several airlines offering direct flights. The quickest flight takes approximately 6 hours and 5 minutes, saving you time for exploring both cities.
🌴 Upon arrival in San Diego, after a flight duration of 7 hours and 33 minutes, you'll be greeted by sunshine and a variety of activities to enjoy. From beautiful beaches to cultural attractions, San Diego offers something for every traveler.
Departure Point
Boston Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Starting your trip from Boston to San Diego by bus will require some transfers. The journey typically takes about 3 days and 1 hour, with stops at various locations such as the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal.
💰 Prices for a bus ticket between San Diego and Boston can range from $325 to $716, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to explore the country by road. The trip by bus provides a unique way to travel and immerse oneself in the diverse landscapes of the United States.
Departure Point
Boston station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Boston to San Diego.
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The distance between Boston and San Diego is approximately 4174.6 km by air or 4893.4 km by road. The typical travel time by plane is around 7 hours and 48 minutes, making it the fastest mode of transportation.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Boston to San Diego is by flying. Flying takes around 7 hours and 48 minutes, making it the quickest way to reach your destination. Additionally, flying can also be the most affordable option, with ticket prices ranging from $100 to $550.
The prices for traveling from Boston to San Diego vary depending on the mode of transportation. For a train, prices can range from $173 to $1516. On the other hand, bus prices can vary from $331 to $696.
To get from Boston to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 4894.0 km, and it takes around 2 days of driving to reach San Diego from Boston. The estimated cost for this trip ranges from $550 to $800, depending on factors such as gas prices and accommodation along the way.
The best way to travel from Boston to San Diego without a car is by taking a combination of train and bus. This option takes approximately 2 days and 21 hours and the cost ranges from $190 to $950. Another option is to fly, which takes about 7 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $100 and $550. If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a bus, which takes around 3 days and 2 hours and costs $330 to $700. Alternatively, you could take a train via New Orleans, which takes around 3 days and 16 hours and costs between $170 and $1,600.
There is no direct train or bus link between Boston and San Diego. The train journey from Boston to San Diego would take approximately 3 days and 16 hours, including transfers. The bus journey would take approximately 3 days and 2 hours, also with transfers. It is recommended to consider alternative modes of transportation, such as flying, which takes approximately 7 hours and 48 minutes.
The flight duration between Boston and San Diego is typically around 6 hours and 20 minutes for a direct flight. However, it is important to note that flight times can vary depending on factors such as layovers and weather conditions. As for the cost, the prices for a flight between San Diego and Boston range from $103 to $511, depending on the airline, time of booking, and seat availability.
There are plenty of accommodations available near San Diego, with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $53 per night, so there are options for different budgets.