- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Cheapest price
$206
Average price
$411
Fastest journey
2 d 11 h 20 m
Average duration
2 d 12 h 8 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
2414 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA will cost around $411 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $206.
Of the 2 buses that leave Austin, TX for San Francisco, CA on Tue, Aug 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct buses cover the 2414 km distance in an average of 2 d 12 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 11 h 20 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest buses will take 2 d 12 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $129. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $129, and a train costs an average of $308.
Distance: 1499 miles (2414 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$217 Average price Cheapest | $240 Average price | $661 Average price | $368 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
41h 5m Average total duration 40h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 31m Average total duration Fastest 4h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 68h 10m Average total duration 67h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 25h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $23 (€18) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA costing on average $240 (€193).
A bus is $444 (€356) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA costing on average $661 (€531).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 40h 35m.
Train takes on average 67h 40m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 48h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $217 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 49h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $172 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 58h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $282 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 59h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $616 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $300 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 59h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $276 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 48h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 60h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $206 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 55h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $493 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 42h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $208 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 42h55 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $160 |
The table below shows live departures for Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:40 PM Austin, TX | 55h25 | 2:05 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 40h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $129 (€104) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1499 miles (2414 km) distance in 42h 50m.
Distance 1499 miles (2414 km) |
Average bus duration 40h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $129 (€104) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 42h 50m |
First bus 3:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Austin, TX to San Francisco, CA buses use the Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 station pair, with some services arriving at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street. Use this guide to compare Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) is 4 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza). ATMs are available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza).
Ticket office support is available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza).
Available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, Shady Lane (Eastside Bus Plaza): Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Austin, South Congress Transit Center is 5 km from Austin city centre. Public transport options include:
Austin, South Congress Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center. ATMs are available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center.
Ticket office support is available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center.
Available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, South Congress Transit Center: The station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd. ATMs are available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd.
Ticket office support is available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd.
Available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Austin, E 9th St / S I-35 Frontage Rd: Bus stop accessible from the road.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need