Find coaches from San Diego, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

Find affordable coach tickets from San Diego, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA with flexible options. Book your journey now

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Today7 May
Tomorrow8 May
Fri9 May
from US$117
Sat10 May
Sun11 May
Mon12 May
Tue13 May
Wed14 May

Next departures to South Lake Tahoe

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: 9 May at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: Santa Fe Depot
    Arrival time: 10 May at
    Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
    Destination location: Stateline Transit Center
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: 9 May at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: Santa Fe Depot
    Arrival time: 10 May at
    Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
    Destination location: Emerald Bay Rd
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: 9 May at
    Departure city: San Diego
    Departure location: Santa Fe Depot
    Arrival time: 10 May at
    Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
    Destination location: Emerald Bay Rd
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

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Compare 2 ways to travel from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe

Average priceUS$105 - US$133Average duration15h 5m
18kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestFastestMost eco-friendly
Average priceUS$140 - US$140Average duration1d 20h
67kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
busbud logoBusbud recommends taking the bus from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach South Lake Tahoe. The journey takes about 15 hours 5 minutes and with fares starting at just US$105, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day
15h 5mAverage duration
US$105Cheapest ticket
18kgCO₂ emissions

Bus San Diego to South Lake Tahoe: Trip Overview

Average ticket priceUS$115
Average bus trip duration15h 5m
Number of daily buses2
Earliest bus departure21:25
Distance456 miles

San Diego to South Lake Tahoe Bus

Busbud helps you find a bus from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe. Get the best fare and schedule, book a round trip ticket or find buses with WiFi and electrical outlets.

Bus service from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

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

Frequently asked questions on the trip San Diego - South Lake Tahoe

  1. What is the cheapest way to go from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe?

    Coach ticket prices from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe can start as low as US$105, though the average price for this trip is US$115. The cost of tickets can fluctuate based on factors like the time of day, the company, and the class you choose. Use Busbud to compare prices and amenities offered by different companies, ensuring you find the most favorable deals and promotions.

  2. How long does it take to travel from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe by bus?

    The coach journey between San Diego and South Lake Tahoe lasts about 15h 5m. If you're looking for the fastest trip, you can get there in just about 15h 5m. However, please keep in mind that your specific travel time may vary due to the prevailing traffic conditions along the route.

  3. When is the first coach from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe?

    The first coach to South Lake Tahoe from San Diego departs at 21:25. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

  4. How far is South Lake Tahoe from San Diego by coach?

    The journey from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe by coach covers an approximate distance of 458 miles (739 km).

  5. Is there a way to reach South Lake Tahoe from San Diego without flying?

    You can choose the coach to travel this route. The coach provides a comfortable and sustainable journey and allows you to enjoy the sights while reaching your destination. You might also find carpooling options to travel between the two cities.

  6. Is there am overnight bus from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe?

    You can hop on buses departing from San Diego until 21:25 and reaching South Lake Tahoe the following day. Make sure to bring a snack and a blanket to keep yourself feeling comfortable during the night.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
05/05
No data
06/05
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Today
No data
08/05
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09/05
US$117
10/05
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12/05
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busbud logoThe cheapest trip from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe was searched and found on 9 May 2025 with a price of US$117

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 South Lake Tahoe as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from US$117 to US$117 for a bus ticket from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$117, which is on 2025-05-09.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Make friends with the driver. They usually know a lot about your destination and may even recommend which side of the bus to sit on to get the best views on the road between San Diego and South Lake Tahoe!

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

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 South Lake Tahoe.

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

What's the cheapest way to go from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe?

busbud logoThe bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Will you be returning to San Diego by bus?

Bus from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe

You can also go to South Lake Tahoe by train

Train from San Diego to South Lake Tahoe

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worlwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travellers no matter where they are in the world. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

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