How do I get from San Diego to Modesto without flying?

Both buses and trains are available for traveling between these two cities. Both are practical and sustainable ways to travel to Modesto. Another option is using carpool services and riding with fellow travelers.

How long is the bus ride from San Diego to Modesto?

The average travel time from San Diego to Modesto is about 13h 30m, although the minimum time it takes to get there is 9h 20m with the fastest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 403 miles (649 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is San Diego from Modesto?

San Diego and Modesto are 403 miles (649 km) apart.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Diego to Modesto?

Most of the buses traveling from San Diego to Modesto leave from Mission Valley Sheraton and arrive at Lukyds Travel. These are the most popular departure and arrival locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

What is the cheapest way to travel from San Diego to Modesto?

The cheapest way to travel this route is by bus. With prices starting at $63, you won't find a cheaper way to get there.

How much does a bus ticket from San Diego to Modesto cost?

The bus ticket costs $80 on average. In the last 30 days, the prices ranged from $63 to $190, so it's good to do your research before booking.

San Diego (CA), US to Modesto Bus Tickets

SatApr 26

SunApr 27

MonApr 28

from $70

TueApr 29

WedApr 30

ThuMay 1

FriMay 2

SatMay 3

Next departures to Modesto

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: April 28 at 9:25pm
Departure city: San Diego
Departure location: Santa Fe Depot
Arrival time: April 29 at 8:01am
Destination city: Modesto
Destination location: Modesto Station
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 10h 36m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: April 28 at 2:00am
Departure city: San Diego
Departure location: Cross Border Xpress CBX (USA)
Arrival time: April 28 at 11:20am
Destination city: Modesto
Destination location: Modesto Bus Station
Operated by: Los Limousines
Vehicle: BusDuration: 9h 20m
Departure time: April 28 at 9:00am
Departure city: San Diego
Departure location: San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)
Arrival time: April 29 at 12:20am
Destination city: Modesto
Destination location: Modesto
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 15h 20m
Departure time: April 28 at 7:15am
Departure city: San Diego
Departure location: Greyhound Bus Stop
Arrival time: April 28 at 6:05pm
Destination city: Modesto
Destination location: Modesto Bus Station
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 10h 50m
Departure time: April 28 at 2:00am
Departure city: San Diego
Departure location: Cross Border Xpress CBX (USA)
Arrival time: April 28 at 11:20am
Destination city: Modesto
Destination location: Modesto Bus Station
Operated by: Los Limousines
Vehicle: BusDuration: 9h 20m

Accepted payments

Bus San Diego to Modesto: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$80

Average bus trip duration13h 30m

Number of daily buses16

Earliest bus departure2:00am

Distance403 miles (650 km)

Latest bus departure9:05pm

Compare bus companies

FlixBus

3.5/58,391 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness4

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.6

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

Los Limousines

3.5/5188 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness2.8

Cleanliness3.8

Wifi2.8

Greyhound

3.5/586,944 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.8

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.3

Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.

Greyhound San Diego Modesto recent customer reviews

Delays no announcements abt Delays, missed connections.

William T.

May 27, 2018

Amtrak

4/55,074 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Tornado Bus, Valley Transit, New York Trailways, Wanda Coach

San Diego to Modesto Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from San Diego to Modesto is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from San Diego to Modesto.

Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Modesto from San Diego, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.

Where are the popular stops in San Diego and Modesto?

Stops in San Diego

A - Mission Valley Sheraton

B - Old Town Courtyard Marriot

C - Downtown Holiday Inn

D - Greyhound Station

E - Market St. & Park Blvd

F - San Ysidro McDonald's

Stops in Modesto

A - Lukyds Travel

B - 1511 Crows Landing Rd

C - Modesto Bus Station

Frequently asked questions for your trip San Diego - Modesto

How do I get from San Diego to Modesto without flying?
How long is the bus ride from San Diego to Modesto?
How far is San Diego from Modesto?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Diego to Modesto?
What is the cheapest way to travel from San Diego to Modesto?
How much does a bus ticket from San Diego to Modesto cost?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

04/22

$88

04/23

$89

Today

$70

04/25

$74

04/26

$70

04/27

No data

04/28

$70

04/29

$63

The cheapest trip from San Diego to Modesto was searched and found on Apr 29, 2025 with a price of $63

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from San Diego to Modesto, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $63 to $143 for a bus ticket from San Diego to Modesto based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $63 which is on 2025-04-29.

Usually LLIO, Amtrak will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while traveling from San Diego to Modesto.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from San Diego to Modesto.

Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from San Diego to Modesto.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from San Diego to Modesto.

Did you know?

The Superbus, created by a Dutch engineer is the world's fastest bus with 250 km/h. Too bad it's only a prototype for now.

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.

What's the cheapest way to go from San Diego to Modesto?

The bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel Time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel Time13h 30m	Avg Price$80	Daily Departures16
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time11h 51m	Avg Price$89	Daily Departures8

Will you be returning to San Diego by bus?

Bus from San Diego to Modesto

You can also go to Modesto by train

Train from San Diego to Modesto

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

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Bus Tickets from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA