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McAllen, TX, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $84: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from McAllen 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.

$84 - Bus, TrainBest price
1978 kmDistance
6h 6m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from McAllen 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  6m
Estimated price
$287-1112
Recommended
Company
Flixbus USA, Amtrak
Bus
Train
Average Duration
38h  26m
Estimated price
$84-563
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1978 km
Duration: 6h 6m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
8h  46m
Estimated price
$141-702
Company
Flixbus USA, Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
38h  45m
Estimated price
$189-2870
Company
various
Taxi
Plane
Average Duration
6h  21m
Estimated price
$338-732
Company
Omnibus de Mexico, Futura
Bus
Average Duration
41h  30m
Estimated price
$2871-2872
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
24h  13m
Estimated price
$2873-2874
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Traveling From McAllen to San Diego

The journey from McAllen, with its vibrant Tex-Mex culture, to San Diego, known for its stunning coastal views and laid-back lifestyle, presents a fascinating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Historic architecture and vibrant nightlife.
• Home to top restaurants and entertainment options.
La Jolla
• Gorgeous beaches and scenic coastal views.
• Unique shops and art galleries to explore.
Little Italy
• Renowned for its Italian cuisine and bakeries.
• A lively farmers market every Saturday.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your San Diego experience.

Balboa Park
Early mornings on weekdays offer a peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds.
San Diego Zoo
Visiting in the cooler months or on weekdays maximizes your animal encounters.
USS Midway Museum
Arriving right at opening time helps you avoid long lines.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego boasts a Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny days that make it an appealing destination year-round; however, spring and fall often present the best weather for outdoor activities. Understanding seasonal variations helps you plan your adventures, from beach days in summer to exploring local attractions in the pleasant fall temperatures.

Dining Recommendation in San Diego

Try the fish tacos at Oscar's Mexican Seafood, where you'll taste the freshness of locally sourced seafood, a departure from McAllen's beloved Tex-Mex flavors. The casual beachside atmosphere combined with vibrant, unique toppings elevates the dining experience, showcasing San Diego's coastal culinary scene.

McAllen - San Diego operators

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

Plane
Website
aa.com

Plane from McAllen (MFE) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
7h 5m
Estimated price
$2873-11121

Plane from Harlingen (HRL) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
6h 19m
Estimated price
$11122-11123

Plane from McAllen (MFE) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
6h 52m
Estimated price
$2879-11124
Website
united.com

Plane from McAllen (MFE) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
6h 14m
Estimated price
$2877-11121

Plane from Harlingen (HRL) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
6h 18m
Estimated price
$11125-11123

Plane from McAllen (MFE) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Average Duration
6h 35m
Estimated price
$11126-11124
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Harlingen (HRL) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
5h 40m
Estimated price
$11127-2876

Plane from Harlingen (HRL) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
7h 51m
Estimated price
$11128-11123

Plane from Harlingen (HRL) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
8h 40m
Estimated price
$11128-11123
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Antonio Amtrak Station to Los Angeles

Average Duration
28h 50m
Estimated price
$8415-11120

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$841-842
Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Mcallen Bus Station to San Antonio Bus Station

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
$847-2875
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Antonio Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
29h
Estimated price
$8460-2877
Contact phone
+52 800 890 6821
Website
greyhound.com.mx

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$844-5634
Contact phone
+52 55 5141 4300
Website
odm.com.mx

Bus from Reynosa to Chihuahua

Average Duration
13h 45m
Estimated price
$5635-5636
Contact phone
800 507 5500
Website
futura.com.mx

Bus from Chihuahua to Tijuana

Average Duration
21h 30m
Estimated price
$5637-2879
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Contact phone
+52 899 223 4178

Other from McAllen to Harlingen

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$5637-5636
Contact phone
+52 899 902 0307
Website
multitaxisseguros.com.mx

Other from McAllen to Harlingen

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$5637-5636
Contact phone
+52 899 143 5516
Website
citytaxireynosa.com

Other from McAllen to Harlingen

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$5637-5636

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

Traveling between McAllen 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.

Useful tips for plane travellers
• Since there are no direct flights from McAllen to San Diego, check for the quickest one-stop options through airlines like United and American; aim for connections through major hubs like Dallas or Houston to minimize layover time.
• Upon arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN), take the time to explore the Rental Car Center located just across the street from Terminal 1; it's well sign-posted, and you can access it via a short walk or shuttle, making car rentals convenient.
• Expect taxi fares from San Diego International Airport to downtown San Diego to range between $15 to $25; consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft for potentially lower rates and ease of payment through their apps.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between McAllen and San Diego is 1229 miles, or 1529.8 miles by road. If you choose to travel by night bus and then train, the typical travel time is 38 hours and 26 minutes. Alternatively, if you opt for a plane, you can reach San Diego from McAllen in 6 hours and 2 minutes. Driving by car usually takes around 24 hours and 13 minutes, while taking a bus can take approximately 38 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from McAllen to San Diego is by taking a night bus and train. This option typically takes around 38 hours and 26 minutes, with prices ranging from $80 to $600. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest way to reach San Diego is by flying. This option typically takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes, with prices ranging from $150 to $650. It is important to consider both cost and time efficiency when planning your travel.
The prices of a bus ticket between McAllen and San Diego can vary between $196 and $361. It is important to check with different bus companies and compare prices in order to find the best deal. Other modes of transportation such as flying or driving may have different prices, so it is advisable to explore all options before making a decision.
To travel from McAllen to San Diego without using public transportation, you can opt to drive the distance. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 1530 miles, which would take around 24 hours and 13 minutes. You can expect to spend around $270 to $410 in fuel costs, depending on the vehicle efficiency and current gas prices.
To travel from McAllen to San Diego without a car, the best option is to take a night bus and then a train. This journey typically takes around 38 hours and 26 minutes. The cost of this trip can range from $80 to $600 depending on the specific bus and train options chosen. Overall, this is a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities without the need for a car.
Yes, there is a link between McAllen and San Diego but it is not a direct route. There are bus services available that depart from McAllen Bus Station and arrive in San Diego via transfers at San Antonio Bus Station and Los Angeles Union Station. The total travel time for this journey is approximately 38 hours and 55 minutes. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA and Greyhound Mexico.
The flight between McAllen and San Diego typically takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes with one stopover. However, please note that there are no direct flights available. The cost of the flight can vary between $157 and $452, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and class of travel. It is advisable to check with different airlines to find the best deal for your travel needs.
There are over 1163 hotels available in San Diego offering a variety of options for accommodation. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53 per night, making it possible to find affordable options for every budget. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, budget-friendly motels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, there is a wide range of accommodations to choose from near San Diego.

Trips from McAllen

Trips to San Diego