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San Diego, CA, USA to Mesa, AZ, USA from $27: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States of America
to
Mesa, United States of America

How to Get from San Diego to Mesa: 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.

$27 - Train, busBest price
842 kmDistance
3h 29m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Mesa 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
Tram
Average Duration
3h  29m
Estimated price
$40-199
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
13h  46m
Estimated price
$27-265
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 842 km
Duration: 3h 29m

See more options

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
11h  5m
Estimated price
$44-120
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
12h  8m
Estimated price
$44-165
Company
various
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
4h  47m
Estimated price
$255-469
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
6h  6m
Estimated price
$400-401
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Traveling From San Diego to Mesa

Embarking on the journey from San Diego to Mesa offers a remarkable contrast, with San Diego's coastal vibe and vibrant nightlife transitioning to Mesa's desert landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Best Neighbourhoods in Mesa

Mesa boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Downtown Mesa
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and theaters.
• Abundant dining options featuring local cuisine.
Mesa Grande
• Home to ancient Hohokam ruins and cultural sites.
• Scenic parks ideal for hiking and relaxation.
East Mesa
• Family-friendly atmosphere with great schools and parks.
• Close to the Superstition Mountains for outdoor adventures.

Best Times To Visit Mesa's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Mesa's top spots.

Mesa Arts Center
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and quieter exhibits.
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and stunning sunrise views.
Rockin' R Ranch
Attend during weekdays for a more intimate, family-friendly atmosphere.

Mesa Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Mesa enjoys a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, making the spring and fall ideal for comfortable outdoor adventures. Understanding the weather patterns can greatly enhance your travel plans, ensuring you make the most of your time in the city.

Dining in Mesa: A Culinary Adventure

For a standout dining experience, try the Sonoran hot dogs at The Dog House, which showcase a distinct flavor profile with toppings like jalapeños, beans, and mustard. Unlike San Diego's coastal seafood emphasis, Mesa's culinary scene embraces bold Southwest flavors and local ingredients, immersing you in a regional dining culture.

San Diego - Mesa operators

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

Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$403-404
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$40-405
Website
aa.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$406-407
Tram
Contact phone
(602) 253-5000
Website
valleymetro.org

Tram from 44th St/Washington to University Dr/Rural Rd

Average Duration
15m
Estimated price
$409-409

Tram from University Dr/Rural Rd to Mesa Dr/Main St

Average Duration
24m
Estimated price
$409-409
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$1990-1991

Train from Los Angeles to Maricopa

Average Duration
7h 30m
Estimated price
$1992-19970

Train from Maricopa to Tempe Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$274-275
Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
2h 55m
Estimated price
$273-19905

Bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Tempe

Average Duration
7h 20m
Estimated price
$1995-1996

Bus from Tijuana to Mexicali

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$271-1994

Bus from Calexico Bus Station to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport/44th Street Station

Average Duration
4h 40m
Estimated price
$4092-272
Contact phone
+52 664 104 7400
Website
abc.com.mx

Bus from Tijuana to Mexicali

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$271-1994

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

Traveling between San Diego and Mesa 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.

🚗 Discover the beauty of the Southwest on a scenic road trip from San Diego to Mesa, covering 373 miles of diverse landscapes and breathtaking desert vistas. 💸 Budget-friendly options abound for this journey, with car travel costs ranging from $65 to $100 depending on your vehicle choice and fuel efficiency. 🌵 Enjoy a leisurely 6-hour drive through California and Arizona, soaking in the sun-drenched scenery and arriving in Mesa ready to explore all this vibrant city has to offer.
Average price
$65 - $100
🛫 Traveling from San Diego to Mesa by plane is a quick and convenient option with a direct flight duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airlines like American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate flights between San Diego Airport and Phoenix Airport.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Phoenix Airport
🚌 The journey from San Diego to Mesa by bus involves multiple transfers and takes approximately 12 hours and 8 minutes, with services operated by Flixbus USA. There is no direct route, but travelers can make their way through various stops, including Los Angeles Downtown and University Dr & Rural Rd. 🛣️ Route options vary in terms of duration, with one route taking 11 hours and 5 minutes to reach Mesa from San Diego. Prices for a bus ticket between the two cities range from $44 to $120. Each route involves a different number of transfers, adding to the overall travel time and experience. 🌵 For those embarking on this bus journey, they can expect a scenic route spanning approximately 543 miles. While the trip may be long, passengers can enjoy the changing landscapes along the way, making for a memorable travel experience from the coastal city of San Diego to the desert city of Mesa.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Tempe station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and Mesa is approximately 315 miles or 373 miles by road. The typical travel time by flying and taking a tram is around 3 hours and 29 minutes. Driving by car usually takes about 6 hours and 6 minutes, while taking a bus can take around 11 hours and 5 minutes. These travel times may vary depending on traffic and other factors.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Diego to Mesa is by bus, which typically costs between $40 and $120. However, this option also takes the longest amount of time, with a travel time of approximately 11 hours and 5 minutes. Alternatively, the quickest way to reach Mesa from San Diego is by flying and taking a tram, which takes around 3 hours and 29 minutes but may cost between $40 and $200. It is recommended to compare the cost and time of these two options before making a decision.
The prices for a bus ticket between Mesa and San Diego can range from $44 to $120, depending on the specific bus company and ticket type chosen. It's important to check with multiple bus operators to compare prices and find the best deal. Other factors that can affect the price include the time and date of travel, as well as any special promotions or discounts available.
To get from San Diego to Mesa without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The distance between San Diego and Mesa is approximately 373 miles, and it takes around 6 hours and 6 minutes to drive from one city to the other. The cost of driving from San Diego to Mesa can vary, but typically ranges from $65 to $100, depending on factors such as fuel and tolls.
To travel from San Diego to Mesa without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 5 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $120. This is a convenient and affordable mode of transportation for those without access to a car. It is important to plan the trip in advance and check the bus schedules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Yes, there is no direct bus link between San Diego and Mesa. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey from San Diego to Mesa by bus takes approximately 12 hours and 8 minutes, including transfers in Los Angeles Downtown and University Dr & Rural Rd. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA and depart from San Diego station and arrive at Tempe station in Mesa.
The flight between San Diego and Mesa typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The quickest option would be a direct flight from San Diego Airport to Phoenix Airport. As for the cost, it can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, availability, and airline, but typically ranges between $100 to $300 round trip.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Mesa with a wide range of hotels to choose from. You can find over 2083 hotels available in the area, offering various amenities and services. Prices start at $51 per night, providing options for different budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxury resort or a budget-friendly stay, there are plenty of options to suit your needs in Mesa.

Trips from San Diego