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Columbus, OH, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $148: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Columbus to San Diego: 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.

$148 - Bus, TrainBest price
3162 kmDistance
6h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Columbus 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  58m
Estimated price
$173-758
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
73h  1m
Estimated price
$148-868
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 3162 km
Duration: 6h 58m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
53h  5m
Estimated price
$252-573
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
35h  36m
Estimated price
$410-600
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Traveling From Columbus to San Diego

Your journey from Columbus to San Diego offers a fascinating contrast, with Columbus showcasing Midwestern charm while San Diego boasts stunning beaches and a vibrant coastal culture.

Best Neighborhoods in San Diego

San Diego offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm and attractions.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Lively nightlife and entertainment options.
• Historic architecture and vibrant street art.
La Jolla
• Stunning coastline with upscale dining.
• Excellent opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking.
Little Italy
• Rich Italian heritage and delicious food spots.
• Trendy atmosphere with outdoor markets and shops.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your San Diego experience significantly.

Balboa Park
Weekdays in the morning offer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
San Diego Zoo
Visit during weekdays or in the early morning for shorter lines.
La Jolla Cove
Late afternoon provides stunning sunsets and fewer visitors on the beach.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with sunny days and cool evenings, making it an inviting destination year-round. The best times to visit are typically in spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable, and you can make the most of outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

Dining Recommendation in San Diego

Try the fish tacos at Las Cuatro Milpas, where the blend of fresh seafood and zesty toppings showcases California's coastal flair. This vibrant eatery not only offers a casual beachy ambiance but also emphasizes local ingredients, delivering a dining experience that contrasts with the heartier Midwestern flavors typical in Columbus.

Columbus - San Diego operators

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

Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
6h 58m
Estimated price
$173-758
Website
aa.com

Plane from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
7h 8m
Estimated price
$1737-1732
Website
united.com

Plane from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
7h 5m
Estimated price
$1738-1732
Website
delta.com

Plane from Columbus (CMH) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
7h 17m
Estimated price
$1731-1739
Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Columbus to Indianapolis

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$8681-8682

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Diego

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$8683-8684
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to St Louis Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$8685-8686

Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration
34h 30m
Estimated price
$1731-1734

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

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$8687-8688
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from St. Louis to Los Angeles

Average Duration
48h 11m
Estimated price
$7580-7581

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$1480-1481

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

Traveling between Columbus 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 Columbus to the sunny shores of San Diego covering a distance of 2276 miles in approximately 35 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. 🌄 Traverse through diverse landscapes and charming cities as you make your way across the country, with prices for the journey ranging from $410 to $600, offering budget-friendly options for every traveler's preference.
Average price
$410 - $600
🛫 Flying from Columbus to San Diego offers a convenient and efficient travel option with a direct flight that takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. ✈️ Airlines such as United, Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest provide flight options from Columbus to San Diego. The total travel time by plane from Columbus to San Diego typically takes around 6 hours and 58 minutes. 💸 Flight prices for the route between San Diego and Columbus can vary, ranging from $173 to $758. Whether for business or leisure, flying from Columbus to San Diego is a popular and accessible choice for travelers seeking to explore the west coast.
Departure Point
Columbus Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
⭐️ Starting your journey from Columbus to San Diego by bus involves multiple transfers and takes approximately 2 days and 5 hours, with services operated by Flixbus USA. 🚌 Route options vary, with different durations and numbers of transfers, spanning distances around 2,300-2,400 miles. Passengers can expect stops in cities such as St Louis, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles before reaching San Diego.
Departure Point
Columbus station
Arrival Point
San Diego station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to get from Columbus to San Diego is to fly. There are several airlines that offer affordable fares, with prices ranging from $110 to $450 for a one-way ticket. The flight duration is approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices to find the best deal.
The fastest way to travel from Columbus to San Diego is by flying. There are direct flights available which take approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes. The cost of the flight can range between $110 and $450, depending on the airline and the time of booking. It is recommended to check different airlines and booking websites for the best deals.
The distance from Columbus to San Diego is approximately 1965 miles. If you prefer driving, the road distance is around 2276.4 miles. However, please note that these distances are approximate and can vary depending on the specific route taken.
The most convenient way to travel from Columbus to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus and train route via Denver. It may take approximately 2 days and 6 hours to reach your destination and the cost can range between $220 and $750. The journey involves taking a bus from Columbus to Denver and then transferring to a train bound for San Diego. This option allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery while making stops along the way.
The travel time from Columbus to San Diego is approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes, including any necessary transfers. This duration may vary depending on the specific airline and routing chosen. It is important to check the flight schedules and consider any layovers or connecting flights when planning your travel time.
There are numerous accommodation options available in San Diego, with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start as low as $53 per night, providing options for every budget. Booking in advance and comparing prices from different websites can help you find the best deal for your stay in San Diego.
Yes, it is possible to drive from Columbus to San Diego. The driving distance is around 2276 miles, which would take approximately 35 hours and 36 minutes without any stops. However, it is important to consider the cost of fuel, tolls, meals, and accommodation along the way when deciding if driving is the best option for your trip.
Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and three other airlines offer flights from Columbus Airport to San Diego Airport. These airlines provide options for travelers to choose from, ensuring flexibility in terms of departure times and price range. It is recommended to check the airlines' websites or use online travel agencies to compare prices and find the best deal for your flight from Columbus to San Diego.
The fastest way to get from Columbus to San Diego by plane is to take a flight with one stopover. There are multiple airlines that offer this route, including Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines. The quickest flight takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes. However, the total travel time can be around 7 hours and 50 minutes, including layovers. It is advisable to compare prices from different airlines, as the ticket prices can range from $118 to $445.
The flight duration from Columbus to San Diego can vary depending on the number of stopovers. However, the quickest flight with one stopover takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes. It's important to note that there are no direct flights available from Columbus Airport to San Diego Airport, so all flights will have at least one stopover.
The cost of a flight from Columbus to San Diego ranges from $110 to $450. The prices can fluctuate depending on various factors such as the airline, time of travel, and availability. It is recommended to compare prices across different airlines and booking websites to find the best deal for your trip.
The cost of driving from Columbus to San Diego can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices, car efficiency, and route choices. On average, the cost of gas for this trip is estimated to be around $410 - $600 based on current fuel prices and an average car's fuel efficiency. It's important to also consider additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and accommodation costs if you plan on stopping along the way.

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