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Madison, WI, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $98: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Madison 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.

$98 - Bus, PlaneBest price
2694 kmDistance
7h 53m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madison 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
8h  14m
Estimated price
$213-457
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
9h  3m
Estimated price
$98-513
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2694 km
Duration: 7h 53m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
74h  2m
Estimated price
$139-2130
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
7h  53m
Estimated price
$172-535
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
48h  8m
Estimated price
$268-564
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
31h  46m
Estimated price
$2131-2132

Traveling From Madison to San Diego

Journeying from Madison to San Diego offers a transition from the tranquil charm of Wisconsin’s capital to the vibrant coastal lifestyle of Southern California.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences reflecting its rich culture.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Historic district with vibrant nightlife.
• Unique dining and shopping options nearby.
La Jolla
• Stunning beaches and ocean views abound.
• Upscale boutiques and art galleries enhance the charm.
Little Italy
• Renowned for authentic Italian cuisine.
• Lively farmers market held every Saturday.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visits to San Diego's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Balboa Park
Visit early in the morning on weekdays to enjoy tranquility and fewer crowds.
San Diego Zoo
Plan your visit on weekdays during the off-peak season for a more relaxed experience.
Cabrillo National Monument
Late afternoon visits provide stunning sunset views with less busy trails.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Visiting during spring or fall often provides pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Diego

Don't miss out on the fish tacos at Point Loma Seafoods, where fresh, local catch meets vibrant Mexican flavors, delivering a dining experience that vastly contrasts with Madison's heartier Midwestern fare. The casual seaside atmosphere enhances your meal, providing a unique taste of coastal California culture.

Madison - San Diego operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Madison to Milwaukee

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Madison to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1 414-266-4409
Website
http://www.badgerbus.badgerbus.com/tickets

Bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Milwaukee Intermodal

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$1727-1728
Contact phone
+1 608-752-5407
Website
https://www.coachusa.com/van-galder-bus-company

Bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to O'Hare International Terminal 2

Average Duration
3h 10m
Estimated price
$1729-5350

Bus from Madison, WI-Lake St. to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$5351-5350
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Station

Average Duration
6h 20m
Estimated price
$1723-5137

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

Average Duration
34h 30m
Estimated price
$2133-4570

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

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$5352-5353
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angeles

Average Duration
48h 17m
Estimated price
$987-988

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$5136-5137
Plane Show flights
Website
https://united.com

Plane from Madison (MSN) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
8h 14m
Estimated price
$213-457
Website
https://aa.com

Plane from Madison (MSN) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
8h 44m
Estimated price
$4577-4578
Website
https://southwest.com

Plane from Milwaukee (MKE) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
4h 10m
Estimated price
$4574-2135
Website
https://delta.com

Plane from Madison (MSN) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
7h 38m
Estimated price
$4572-981
Website
https://flyfrontier.com

Plane from Madison (MSN) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration
8h 19m
Estimated price
$985-2131

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

Traveling between Madison 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 a scenic road trip from Madison to sunny San Diego covering a distance of 2047 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and charming towns along the way. 💸 Budget around $370 to $550 for gas, food, and accommodation for this unforgettable journey. Keep an eye out for roadside attractions and local eateries to enhance your experience. 🌞 Arrive in San Diego after approximately 31 hours and 46 minutes of driving. Explore the vibrant city, relax on the beautiful beaches, and soak up the California sunshine to make your road trip truly memorable.
Average price
$370 - $550
🛫 Flying from Madison to San Diego involves a minimum travel time of 6 hours and 16 minutes with one stopover along the way. Various airlines like Frontier, United, American, and Delta operate flights between these two cities. 🌴 The journey spans a total duration of 8 hours and 14 minutes from Madison to San Diego by plane. Despite the lack of direct flights, travelers have multiple carrier options to choose from for their trip to the sunny California city. 💸 Prices for flights between San Diego and Madison can range from $213 to $457, providing flexibility for travelers with different budgets. With a bit of careful planning, a smooth and enjoyable journey awaits those heading from the Midwest to the West Coast.
Departure Point
Madison Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport. The quickest flight takes 6h 16m and has one stopover
🌆 Be prepared for a trip that spans approximately 2 days and 8 hours, with transfers at Chicago Bus Station, St Louis Bus Station, Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal, and Santa Ana Bus Stop. This route will offer a diverse mix of urban landscapes and natural beauty. 💵 Prices for the bus from San Diego to Madison typically range from $268 to $564. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure as you make your way from the heart of the Midwest to the sunny shores of Southern California.
Departure Point
Madison station
Arrival Point
San Diego station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to travel from Madison to San Diego is by taking a flight. Flight prices can vary depending on the time of booking and availability, but they generally range from $80 to $380. The flight duration is approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes. It is recommended to compare prices from different airlines and book in advance to secure the best deal.
The fastest way to travel from Madison to San Diego is by taking a flight. Flying typically takes around 7 hours and 50 minutes. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between these two cities, ensuring a quick and convenient journey. The cost of flying can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, with prices generally ranging from $80 to $380.
The distance between Madison and San Diego is approximately 1674 miles. If you were to travel by air, the straight-line distance would be shorter, but the road distance is around 2047.3 miles. This means that if you were to drive, you would have a longer journey ahead of you compared to flying.
The best way to travel from Madison to San Diego without a car is by taking a combination of bus and train. You can take a bus from Madison to Denver and then transfer to a train that will take you to San Diego. This journey typically takes around 2 days and 2 hours, depending on the specific schedules. The cost can range from $170 to $750, depending on the time of year and availability.
The travel time from Madison to San Diego is approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes, including any necessary transfers. This duration can vary depending on the specific flights and layovers chosen. It is advised to check with airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date travel times.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels to choose from, you're bound to find something that suits your needs. Prices for hotels in the area start at $53 per night, making it affordable for travelers on a budget. Whether you prefer luxury resorts or budget-friendly motels, there is no shortage of options for your stay in San Diego.
Yes, you can drive from Madison to San Diego. The driving distance is approximately 2047 miles, and it takes around 31 hours and 46 minutes to complete the journey. However, it's important to keep in mind that this option may not be the most convenient or cost-effective compared to flying. It's important to consider factors such as fuel costs, time spent driving, and any overnight stays that may be required.
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus between Madison and San Diego. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. You would need to take a bus from Madison to Chicago Bus Station, then another bus to St. Louis Bus Station, and finally a bus to Los Angeles Union Station. From there, you can take another mode of transportation to reach San Diego. This multi-leg journey can take approximately 2 days and 9 hours.
You can catch the bus from Madison to San Diego at the Madison station. Bus services on this route are operated by Amtrak. It is recommended to check the Amtrak website or app for the most up-to-date schedule and ticket information. The bus journey from Madison to San Diego may take several days, so it's important to plan your trip accordingly.
The Madison to San Diego bus arrives at the San Diego station. Greyhound Mexico operates the bus services on this route. The San Diego station is conveniently located and serves as a major transportation hub, providing easy access to various parts of the city and its surrounding areas. Passengers can rest assured that they will arrive at a well-connected destination for their onward travels in San Diego.
There are a few options to get from Madison Airport to San Diego. One option is to take a taxi or a rideshare service which typically takes around 10-15 minutes and costs approximately $20-$25. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service which operates between the airport and various locations in San Diego. Lastly, you can also rent a car from the airport and drive to San Diego which takes around 2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Frontier Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer flights from Madison to San Diego. They provide multiple options for travelers looking to fly between the two cities. These airlines offer various schedules and pricing options, allowing passengers to choose the most convenient and affordable flights for their journey.
The fastest way to travel from Madison to San Diego by plane is by taking a flight with one stopover. Frontier Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer flights from Madison Airport to San Diego Airport. The quickest flight duration is around 5 hours and 57 minutes. However, the total travel time can take up to 7 hours and 50 minutes, including layovers. The cost of a flight between San Diego and Madison can range from $83 to $377, depending on the airline and booking conditions.
The flight duration from Madison to San Diego varies depending on the itinerary. However, there are no direct flights available, so there will be at least one stopover. The quickest flight option with one stopover takes approximately 5 hours and 57 minutes. It's recommended to check with airlines for the most up-to-date flight options and durations.
The cost of a flight from Madison to San Diego can range from $80 to $380 depending on factors such as the airline, route, and booking time. It is recommended to compare prices from different airlines and use flight search engines to find the best deals. Additionally, booking in advance and being flexible with travel dates can also help in finding cheaper fares.
The cost of a bus ticket from Madison to San Diego ranges from $269 to $544. The prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of year, day of the week, and the type of bus service. It is advisable to compare prices from different bus companies and book in advance to secure the best fares. Additionally, keep in mind that the duration of the bus journey may be longer compared to flying.
The cost of driving from Madison to San Diego can vary depending on factors such as gas prices and the efficiency of your vehicle. On average, you can expect to spend between $370 and $550 on fuel for the journey. This estimate takes into account the distance of approximately 2,100 miles and an average gas price of $3 per gallon. However, it is important to consider additional expenses such as tolls, food, and accommodations during the trip.

Trips from Madison

Trips to San Diego