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San Diego, CA, USA to Denver, CO, USA from $39: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Diego to Denver: 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.

$39 - PlaneBest price
1349 kmDistance
4h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Denver 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
4h  21m
Estimated price
$39-296
Recommended
route map
Distance: 1349 km
Duration: 4h 21m

See more options

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
49h  1m
Estimated price
$79-634
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
25h  18m
Estimated price
$113-321
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
28h  33m
Estimated price
$132-248
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
16h  47m
Estimated price
$190-390
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Diego to Denver

Traveling from San Diego to Denver showcases the seamless shift from sunny beaches and surf culture to majestic mountains and vibrant city life.

Best Neighbourhoods in Denver

Denver boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm and attractions.

LoDo (Lower Downtown)
• Historic district with trendy bars and restaurants.
• Close to Coors Field and Union Station.
Capitol Hill
• Artistic vibe with eclectic shops and galleries.
• Home to the Colorado State Capitol building.
Highlands
• Offers stunning views of the Denver skyline.
• Known for its walkable streets and local eateries.

Best Times To Visit Denver's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Denver by timing your visits to popular attractions right.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to enjoy trails with fewer people.
Denver Art Museum
Go on Wednesday evenings for reduced crowds and free admission.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Plan visits during weekdays in early spring for blooming flowers and less foot traffic.

Denver Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Denver enjoys a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cold winters, making it essential to choose the right time for your visit. To make the most of your travel experience, aim for late spring or early fall when temperatures are mild, and outdoor activities are abundant.

Dining Recommendation in Denver

Try the famous green chili at Santiago's, a local favorite that blends the rich flavors of roasted green chiles with traditional Mexican spices, providing a hearty contrast to the lighter, fresher fare often found in San Diego. The cozy atmosphere and focus on regional ingredients create a dining experience that highlights Denver's unique culinary heritage.

San Diego - Denver operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Denver, 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 Denver (DEN)

Average Duration
2h 17m
Estimated price
$39-296
Website
united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Denver (DEN)

Average Duration
2h 24m
Estimated price
$39-296
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Denver (DEN)

Average Duration
2h 26m
Estimated price
$39-296
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Santa Ana

Average Duration
1h 58m
Estimated price
$2962-2963

Train from Los Angeles to Emeryville

Average Duration
11h 40m
Estimated price
$1131-11380

Train from Emeryville to Denver

Average Duration
32h 28m
Estimated price
$11355-296280
Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Ysidro Bus Terminal to 1100 S Main St.

Average Duration
9h 10m
Estimated price
$2968-3215

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
$1132-397

Bus from Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal to Denver Union Station

Average Duration
15h 35m
Estimated price
$2963-11380
Drive

Drive from San Diego to Denver

Average Duration
16h 47m
Estimated price
$190-390

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

Traveling between San Diego and Denver 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 unforgettable road trip from sunny San Diego to the vibrant city of Denver. Covering a distance of 1084 miles, the journey promises a mix of breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes along the way. 💵 The cost of driving from San Diego to Denver ranges from $190 to $290, offering flexibility for travelers with different budget preferences. With a driving time of approximately 16 hours and 47 minutes, prepare for a comfortable and enjoyable ride with plenty of opportunities to explore charming towns and roadside attractions.
Average price
$190 - $290
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from San Diego to Denver, passing through Los Angeles and Emeryville along the way. The trip, with transfers included, will take approximately 2 days and 1 hour. Departing from San Diego station, Amtrak operates this route to Denver station. 🏔️ Enjoy the ever-changing landscapes as you traverse from the sunny shores of San Diego to the majestic mountains of Denver. With ticket prices ranging from $79 to $634, there are options to suit every budget. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the American West from the comfort of a train carriage.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Denver station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Take Amtrak's California Zephyr or Southwest Chief for your trip. Onboard, you'll find a cafe car offering drinks and snacks, as well as meals available for purchase in the dining car, especially if you are seated in Business or First Class where full meal service is provided.
• Choose between Seating Options: Amtrak provides Coach Class (Economy) seats with ample legroom and reclining capability, Business Class for more spacious seating and improved amenities, or First Class which includes meal service and access to lounge facilities. Prioritize First Class if comfort and premium service are essential to you.
• Upon arrival at Denver Union Station, you can leave your luggage at the Union Station's luggage storage service located on the west side of the station, which typically charges a small fee. The station has restrooms available, but no showers. Check out the nearby eateries for dining options or the historic details of the station while you wait.
🛫 Flying from San Diego to Denver is a convenient journey with the quickest direct flight taking just 2 hours and 10 minutes. 💸 The prices for flights between Denver and San Diego can range from $39 to $296, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Denver Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic 28-hour bus journey from San Diego 🏖️ to Denver 🏔️. The prices for this adventure range from $132 to $248, offering budget-friendly options for all travelers. 🌄 Enjoy the picturesque route from San Diego to Denver, covering a distance of 1,147 miles 🚌. With a transfer in Los Angeles, the trip unfolds seamlessly in two steps. First, board the Greyhound bus from San Ysidro to Los Angeles, followed by a second leg from Los Angeles to New York, NY, before reaching the Mile High City. 🎒 Relish the convenience of this bus route, spanning 1 day and 3 hours, with a comfortable journey that showcases the diverse landscapes along the way. Contact Greyhound at 1 231-2222 or visit their website for booking and ticket information to kick off this memorable adventure.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and Denver is 838 miles. Typical travel times vary by mode of transportation. It takes approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes to reach Denver from San Diego by plane. By car, it takes around 16 hours and 47 minutes to travel from San Diego to Denver. Alternatively, taking a bus would take approximately 26 hours and 15 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Denver is by flying. This option takes approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes and can cost between $30 and $230. Taking a flight allows for a quick and convenient journey with minimal travel time and reasonable prices compared to other modes of transportation.
The prices for a train ticket from San Diego to Denver range from $79 to $634 depending on the class or time of booking. On the other hand, bus prices from Denver to San Diego vary between $122 and $271, again depending on factors such as the bus company and time of travel. It's recommended to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deal for your trip.
To travel from San Diego to Denver without using public transportation, you can drive the 1084-mile distance. The journey takes approximately 16 hours and 47 minutes by car. The estimated cost for gas and tolls ranges from $190 to $290 depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and prevailing gas prices.
To travel from San Diego to Denver without a car, the best option is to take a bus which takes approximately 26 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $120 and $280. Another option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes and has a cost ranging from $30 to $230. If you prefer a slower but more scenic journey, you can also take a train, which takes 2 days and 1 hour and costs between $75 and $650.
No, there is no direct link between San Diego and Denver. However, there are alternative modes of transportation available. The train journey from San Diego to Denver takes approximately 2 days and 1 hour, with transfers in Los Angeles and Emeryville. The bus journey, on the other hand, takes approximately 26 hours and 15 minutes, with transfers in Los Angeles.
The flight between San Diego and Denver typically takes 2 hours and 10 minutes on a direct flight. The prices for flights between these two cities range from $34 to $226. It's important to note that flight prices can vary depending on the time of booking and the airline.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Denver. With over 944 hotels to choose from, visitors can find options that suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at $54 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly choices. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, boutique accommodations, or affordable motels, Denver provides a variety of options for travelers to choose from.

Trips from San Diego