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San Diego, CA, USA to Berkeley, CA, USA from $24: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Diego to Berkeley: 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.

$24 by trainBest price
742 kmDistance
3h 26m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Berkeley 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  26m
Estimated price
$60-296
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
15h  36m
Estimated price
$24-254
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 742 km
Duration: 3h 26m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
4h  31m
Estimated price
$48-297
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
13h  2m
Estimated price
$59-600
Company
various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
3h  47m
Estimated price
$75-287
Company
various
Bus
BART
Average Duration
13h  22m
Estimated price
$601-602
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
11h  40m
Estimated price
$603-604
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
8h  14m
Estimated price
$605-606
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Traveling From San Diego to Berkeley

Traveling from San Diego to Berkeley offers a striking contrast between San Diego's sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife and Berkeley's intellectual spirit and lush, scenic hills.

Best Neighbourhoods in Berkeley

Berkeley boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

North Berkeley
• Home to gourmet food shops and cafes.
• Scenic views of the Berkeley Hills.
Southside
• Vibrant student atmosphere near UC Berkeley.
• Frequent cultural events and live music.
Downtown Berkeley
• Rich in arts and theater venues.
• Bustling with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Best Times To Visit Berkeley's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Berkeley's attractions.

UC Berkeley Campus
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy peace and fewer tourists.
Berkeley Marina
Enjoy sunset walks year-round, especially in spring and summer for stunning views.
Tilden Regional Park
Explore during weekdays for tranquility, avoiding weekend crowds at popular spots.

Berkeley Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Berkeley experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

Try the famous “Berkeley Bowl” salad at the iconic restaurant Chez Panisse, which highlights fresh, local ingredients sourced directly from the nearby farms. This experience contrasts with San Diego’s seafood-centric fare by embracing rustic, organic flavors that showcase the region’s agricultural bounty in a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere.

San Diego - Berkeley operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$2961-2962

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

Average Duration
1h 43m
Estimated price
$605-2963

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$2964-2965
Website
spirit.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$60-607

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$603-2969
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$243-2964

Train from Los Angeles to Emeryville

Average Duration
11h 40m
Estimated price
$2542-2960
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1-214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Oakland

Average Duration
11h
Estimated price
$608-2960
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Berkeley

Average Duration
11h 40m
Estimated price
$603-604
Contact phone
+1-408-729-7885
Website
xedohoang.com

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

Average Duration
9h 20m
Estimated price
$608-2544
BART
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

BART from San Francisco International Airport to Downtown Berkeley

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$240-241

BART from Milpitas to Downtown Berkeley

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$242-240

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

Traveling between San Diego and Berkeley 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 coastal San Diego to vibrant Berkeley, spanning a distance of 497 miles. The journey offers a diverse mix of landscapes, from the sandy beaches of Southern California to the rolling hills of the Bay Area. 💸 The cost of driving to Berkeley from San Diego ranges from $90 to $130, depending on factors such as gas prices and toll fees. Budget-conscious travelers can plan their route strategically to optimize savings while enjoying the adventure of the open road. 🌉 After approximately 8 hours and 14 minutes of driving, you'll arrive in Berkeley, ready to explore its dynamic culture, renowned university, and picturesque surroundings. Take in the iconic sights, savor local cuisine, and create lasting memories on this memorable drive up the California coast.
Average price
$90 - $130
🚆 Traveling by train from San Diego to Berkeley is a scenic journey that requires a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time, including transfers, takes approximately 15 hours and 36 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for the train between San Diego and Berkeley range from $24 to $254, offering flexibility for travelers with different budgets. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views on this train adventure through California.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Emeryville station
🛫 Flying from San Diego to Berkeley is a convenient and quick travel option. The direct flight from San Diego Airport to Oakland Airport takes just 1 hour and 25 minutes with airlines like Spirit, Delta, and Southwest. 🎫 Prices for flights between Berkeley and San Diego can range from $60 to $296, making it a relatively affordable trip by air. 🌁 Once you land at Oakland Airport, it will take approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes to reach Berkeley, offering you plenty of time to explore the Bay Area upon arrival. Enjoy the scenic journey and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Berkeley.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Oakland Airport
🚌 Traveling from San Diego to Berkeley by bus is a convenient and affordable option, with an overnight bus departing daily and arriving approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes later. 🌉 The journey with Flixbus USA from San Diego station to Berkeley station takes about 13 hours and 2 minutes, providing a comfortable and reliable mode of transportation between the two cities. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus between Berkeley and San Diego range from $59 to $126, offering flexibility for travelers with different budget preferences.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Berkeley station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and Berkeley is approximately 461 miles, or 497.5 miles by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. You can reach Berkeley from San Diego in 15 hours and 36 minutes by train, 13 hours and 20 minutes by taking a bus first and then BART, or 3 hours and 23 minutes by plane. Conversely, it takes around 8 hours and 14 minutes to travel by car from Berkeley to San Diego, or 13 hours and 2 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Diego to Berkeley is by taking a night bus, which typically costs between $40 and $140 and takes approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes. If time efficiency is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, with flights typically costing between $60 and $280 and taking around 3 hours and 23 minutes. Both options offer different trade-offs between cost and travel time, allowing travelers to choose based on their specific needs and preferences.
The prices of a train ticket between San Diego and Berkeley can range from $24 to $254, depending on factors such as the class of service and time of booking. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between Berkeley and San Diego can vary from $59 to $126, depending on the bus company and type of service. It is important to check for any discounts or promotions available when planning your travel to get the best price.
To get from San Diego to Berkeley without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 497 miles, and the journey typically takes around 8 hours and 14 minutes. The cost of driving from San Diego to Berkeley can vary, but it is usually between $90 and $130 for fuel expenses.
To travel from San Diego to Berkeley without a car, the best option is to take a bus. This journey takes approximately 13 hours and 2 minutes and the ticket prices range from $55 to $130. Another option is to fly, which takes 3 hours and 23 minutes and costs between $60 and $280. Additionally, you can consider taking a train, which takes 15 hours and 36 minutes and has ticket prices ranging from $24 to $260.
There is no direct train link between San Diego and Berkeley. However, there are train services operated by Amtrak that depart from San Diego and arrive at Emeryville, with a transfer at Los Angeles. The journey takes approximately 15 hours and 36 minutes. Alternatively, there is an overnight bus operated by Flixbus USA that departs from San Diego and arrives at Berkeley, taking approximately 11 hours and 40 minutes.
The flight between San Diego and Berkeley typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. The prices for flights can vary between $60 and $276, depending on factors such as the time of year and how far in advance the flight is booked. It's recommended to check with airlines for the most up-to-date prices and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Berkeley. There are over 742 hotels available in the area with prices starting at $74. You can choose from a variety of options ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best deals and availability based on your preferences and budget.

Trips from San Diego