Austin, TX, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $71: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Austin to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$71 - Train, BusBest price
1870 kmDistance
4h 58m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Austin 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.
Austin - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Austin and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Austin (AUS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
4h 58mEstimated price
76-347Website
aa.com
Plane from Austin (AUS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
3471-3472Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from Austin (AUS) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
3471-3472Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Austin to Yuma Amtrak
Average Duration
31h 19mEstimated price
3476-760Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Austin Eastside Bus Plaza to San Antonio Bus Station
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
714-715Bus from San Antonio Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
29hEstimated price
767-765Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Austin Eastside Bus Plaza to San Antonio Bus Station
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
716-717Contact phone
+52 800 890 6821Website
greyhound.com.mx
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego
Average Duration
3h 15mEstimated price
718-715Austin to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Austin 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 the vibrant city of Austin to the laid-back coastal beauty of San Diego spanning a distance of 1351 miles. Journey through diverse landscapes and charming towns as you make your way westward.
⏱️ Prepare for a thrilling 20-hour, 32-minute drive filled with scenic vistas, roadside attractions, and memorable pit stops. Take your time to enjoy the journey and soak in the ever-changing scenery along the way.
💸 The cost of this road trip adventure ranges from $240 to $360, offering budget-friendly options for travelers seeking both affordability and flexibility on their quest from Austin to sunny San Diego. Pack your bags, hit the road, and create lasting memories on this unforgettable cross-country expedition.
Average price
$240 - $360
🚆 Traveling from Austin to San Diego by train is a scenic journey covering a distance of 1,621 miles, taking approximately 1 day and 17 hours with a transfer along the way.
🚆 The first leg of the trip involves boarding the Texas Eagle train operated by Amtrak, departing from Austin and arriving at Union Station in Los Angeles after about 1 day and 13 hours of travel time.
🚆 From Union Station, travelers will then transfer to the Pacific Surfliner train, also operated by Amtrak, for the final leg of the journey to San Diego, which takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes to reach the destination.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the train from Austin to San Diego may vary depending on the operator, with Amtrak being the primary service provider. Amtrak offers a dining car that serves a variety of options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu features meals made with local ingredients and provides vegetarian options. You can also buy snacks and beverages from the café car. Reservations for dining are recommended and can be made online or at the station.
• When booking your ticket, note that Amtrak offers different seating options: First Class (Amtrak's Sleeper cars with private rooms), Business Class (more spacious seats and complimentary snacks), and Economy Class (standard seating). For this particular route, First Class is a great choice for added comfort and privacy, especially on longer journeys. Make sure to check the seat map when booking to choose the option that suits you best.
• There are several operators for this route, including Amtrak (amtrak.com). It’s essential to book your tickets in advance as they can fill up quickly, especially during holidays. For local transport schedules in San Diego, you can check the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (sdmts.com) for bus and trolley schedules that service the area. The bus stop is located immediately outside the train station.
• Upon arrival at the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, you can expect a well-signposted station. There's a luggage service available if you need to store your bags temporarily. Additionally, restrooms and changing facilities are accessible in the station; however, specific shower facilities might not be available. Exit through the main entrance to access transport options efficiently.
• The fastest way to get to the city center from the Santa Fe Depot is by taking the San Diego Trolley. The Orange Line tram connects directly to downtown, with a stop at the Civic Center where many attractions are located. Alternatively, consider taking bus number 992, which also runs frequently to various downtown locations.
🛫 Experience a convenient and quick journey from Austin to San Diego by taking a direct flight that lasts just 3 hours and 5 minutes. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Inc., American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate flights between Austin Airport and San Diego Airport.
🌴 Enjoy a comfortable flight lasting approximately 4 hours and 58 minutes before landing in the sunny coastal city of San Diego from Austin. With multiple airlines offering this route, you can choose the one that suits your preferences and schedule.
💸 Flight prices between San Diego and Austin can range from $76 to $347, providing travelers with flexible options based on their budget and travel requirements. Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip, flying to San Diego from Austin offers a convenient and efficient travel experience.
Departure Point
Austin Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
⭐️ Although there is no direct bus from Austin to San Diego, you can embark on an adventurous journey spanning approximately 37 hours. 🚌
⭐️ With three transfers along the way, including stops in San Antonio and Los Angeles, you'll cover a distance of 1,506 miles to reach the stunning coastal city of San Diego. 🏖️
Departure Point
Austin Eastside Bus Plaza station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Austin to San Diego.
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The distance between Austin and San Diego is approximately 1870.1 km by air, while the road distance is about 2173.7 km. The typical travel time for reaching San Diego from Austin by bus and plane is 7 hours and 7 minutes, and 4 hours and 53 minutes, respectively. If driving, it would take around 20 hours and 32 minutes to reach Austin from San Diego, while the bus journey from Austin to San Diego would typically take around 37 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Austin to San Diego is flying. With a flight duration of just 4 hours and 53 minutes, it is the quickest way to reach your destination. Additionally, compared to other modes of transportation, such as driving or taking a bus, flying offers competitive prices, with fares ranging from $65 to $350.
The prices for a bus trip between Austin and San Diego can range from $174 to $366.
To get from Austin to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive the 2174.2 km distance which takes roughly 20 hours and 32 minutes. The road trip allows you to enjoy the scenic views along the way and gives you the flexibility to make stops at your convenience. The cost of driving can vary but is typically around $240 to $360, depending on fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
If you prefer not to drive, the best way to travel from Austin to San Diego is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 37 hours and 10 minutes, and ticket prices range from $170 to $370.
There is no direct link between Austin and San Diego. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. The journey by bus from Austin to San Diego typically takes around 37 hours and 10 minutes, including transfers at Austin Eastside Bus Plaza, San Antonio Bus Station, and Los Angeles Union Station.
The flight between Austin and San Diego typically takes around 3 hours. The exact duration may depend on factors such as the airline carrier and any layovers involved. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices typically ranging from $66 to $347.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a variety of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53 per night.