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San Diego, CA, USA to Fresno, CA, USA from $20: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Diego to Fresno: 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.

$20 - Train, busBest price
510 kmDistance
2h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Fresno 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
2h  40m
Estimated price
$90-383
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
9h  40m
Estimated price
$20-219
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 510 km
Duration: 2h 40m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
10h  44m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
9h  24m
Estimated price
$31-102
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  39m
Estimated price
$60-90
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Traveling From San Diego to Fresno

The journey from San Diego to Fresno offers a beautiful contrast between the coastal vibes and palm trees of Southern California and the agricultural heartland punctuated by rolling hills and farmland.

Best Neighbourhoods in Fresno

Fresno's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences for every traveler.

Fig Garden
• Charming tree-lined streets and distinctive architecture.
• Home to upscale shopping and dining options.
Tower District
• Vibrant arts scene with unique shops and galleries.
• Great nightlife with popular bars and restaurants.
West Fresno
• Rich in agricultural heritage and local markets.
• Close to scenic parks and outdoor activities.

Best Times To Visit Fresno's Attractions

Timing your visits to Fresno's attractions can elevate your experience significantly.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Woodward Park
Weekdays offer a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for leisurely walks.
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Afternoon tours provide a unique view of the gardens' sunlight interplay.

Fresno Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Fresno enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making spring and fall ideal for outdoor activities. Understanding the weather patterns can greatly enhance your travel experience by allowing you to plan for comfortable sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation in Fresno

Experience the bold flavors of Fresno by trying the famous tri-tip sandwich at The Dog House Grill, which showcases the region’s affinity for smoky, grilled meats. This vibrant eatery captures a more rustic, hearty dining atmosphere that stands in contrast to San Diego's coastal fare, offering local ingredients that highlight the agricultural richness of the San Joaquin Valley.

San Diego - Fresno operators

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

Plane
Website
united.com

Plane from San Diego Airport (SAN) to Fresno Airport (FAT)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$90-906

Plane from San Diego Airport (SAN) to Fresno Airport (FAT) via Los Angeles

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$90-906
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Diego Airport (SAN) to Fresno Airport (FAT)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$90-904
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Fresno Bus Station

Average Duration
8h 15m
Estimated price
$90-902

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$20-35
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to Fresno Bus Station

Average Duration
8h 5m
Estimated price
$30-3839

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$206-9070
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
$90-907

Train from Bakersfield to Fresno

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$20-902

Train from Los Angeles Union Station to Newhall station

Average Duration
53m
Estimated price
$200-201

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

Traveling between San Diego and Fresno 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 sunny San Diego to vibrant Fresno, covering a distance of 341 miles. The journey offers a perfect blend of coastal beauty and Central Valley charm. ⏰ Allow around 5 hours and 39 minutes for the drive, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the changing landscapes along the way. From palm trees to vineyards, the drive is a feast for the eyes. 💸 The cost of traveling by car from San Diego to Fresno ranges from $60 to $90, making it an affordable and convenient option for exploring California's diverse regions. Pack your bags and hit the road for a memorable adventure.
Average price
$60 - $90
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your train trip from San Diego to Fresno, you can choose between Amtrak and Metrolink as your operators. Amtrak offers various onboard services, including a Café Car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Keep in mind that picnic and carry-on food is also welcome, so you might consider bringing your own meal for the journey. Visit Amtrak's website at amtrak.com for more details.
• The train options vary between Amtrak and Metrolink, offering different seating configurations. Amtrak features three classes: Business Class, which provides wider seats and more legroom, and Economy Class, which is comfortable but less spacious. Metrolink primarily offers standard seats in Economy Class with options for reserved seating during peak times. You can check Metrolink's offerings at metrolinktrains.com
• Upon your arrival in Fresno, expect a modest station without extensive amenities. Luggage storage is typically not available, so be prepared to carry your bags with you. The restrooms are available, but there are no showers. To get to the city center quickly, you can take the Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus service. The Route 9 bus runs from the station to downtown Fresno, which is typically a 15-20 minute journey. Detailed information about the bus schedules is available at fresno.gov
🛫 Flying from San Diego to Fresno is convenient and swift, with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 18 minutes. Both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, Inc. provide flights for this route. 🛄 The total duration of the trip from San Diego to Fresno by plane is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, allowing for a quick and efficient journey between the two cities. 💸 Flight prices between Fresno and San Diego can range from $90 to $383, providing travelers with a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Fresno Airport
🚌 The journey from San Diego to Fresno by bus takes approximately 9 hours and 24 minutes, offering a convenient and budget-friendly travel option within the state of California. 🛣️ Route 1 presents a travel time of 8 hours and 40 minutes covering a distance of 371 miles. The trip includes a transfer in Los Angeles, with the first leg aboard a Greyhound bus from San Diego to Los Angeles and the second leg continuing from Los Angeles to Fresno. 💰 Bus tickets for this route can range from $31 to $102, providing flexibility for travelers based on their budget and preferences. With a manageable transfer in Los Angeles, passengers can relax and enjoy the scenic journey as they make their way to Fresno.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Ensure you check the latest schedule on the Greyhound website, as the route from San Diego to Fresno involves a transfer in Los Angeles, which can occasionally cause delays: greyhound.com
• When you arrive at the Fresno bus station, located at 2650 Tulare St, be prepared to exit onto the street; consider downloading a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft in advance to facilitate your onward travel, as public transit options from the bus station may be limited.
• Since your travel time is around 9 hours and 24 minutes, pack snacks and download entertainment or reading materials beforehand, as stops are limited during the transit between Los Angeles and Fresno; check also for other operators such as FlixBus and Tufesa for potential route options: flixbus.com and tufesa.com

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and Fresno is approximately 317 miles by air and 341 miles by road. The typical travel time by train and bus via Los Angeles is 9 hours and 12 minutes. However, the quickest mode of transportation is by plane, which takes around 3 hours and 35 minutes. Driving by car takes approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes, while taking the bus will take around 9 hours and 31 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Diego to Fresno is by bus, which usually costs between $29 and $100. Though it takes longer at approximately 9 hours and 31 minutes, it is a more affordable choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, if time is a priority and budget is less of a concern, the quickest option is to fly, with an average flight time of 3 hours and 35 minutes and costs ranging from $75 to $380.
The prices for a bus ticket between Fresno and San Diego can vary depending on factors such as the time of travel and the type of bus service. On average, the price range for a bus ticket is typically between $29 to $98. It is recommended to check with different bus operators and compare prices to find the best deal for your travel needs.
To get from San Diego to Fresno without using public transportation, you can opt for a road trip. The driving distance between the two cities is around 341 miles, and it takes approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes to drive from San Diego to Fresno. The cost of the journey by car can range from $60 to $90, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from San Diego to Fresno is by taking a train and bus combination via Los Angeles. This journey typically takes around 9 hours and 12 minutes. The cost for this option can range from $21 to $220 depending on various factors such as ticket availability and class of service.
The flight between San Diego and Fresno typically takes around 1 hour and 17 minutes. However, the duration can vary slightly depending on factors such as weather conditions and flight traffic. As for the cost, the prices for a flight between Fresno and San Diego can range from $77 to $376, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability of tickets. It's recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the most suitable option.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Fresno with over 105 hotels to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at $56 per night, catering to a range of budgets. Whether you prefer luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly options, there are plenty of choices to suit your needs. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Trips from San Diego