- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$70
Fastest journey
11h 0m
Average duration
12h 13m
Buses per day
2
Distance
404 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bakersfield, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $240.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $71 Average price Cheapest | $463 Average price | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 13m Average total duration 6h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration 6h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bakersfield, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $16 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bakersfield, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $86 (€71).
A train is $393 (€322) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bakersfield, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $463 (€379).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 26m.
Bus takes on average 6h 43m.
You'll arrive about -3h -19m sooner (6h 43m by bus vs 4h 24m by car) and save roughly $-21.63 (€-17.71) compared to fuel and tolls ($86 (€71) vs $65 (€53)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 02:15AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:58AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 9h12 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:58AM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 9h12 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:58AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 8h22 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:02PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 9h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $151 |
The table below shows live departures for Bakersfield, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 9:40 AM Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park), CA | 13h25 | 11:05 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
· | 12:05 PM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 11h00 | 11:05 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 17 | |||||
· | 2:15 AM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 10h20 | 12:35 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Bakersfield, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $51 (€41) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 251 miles (404 km) distance in 5h 35m.
Distance 251 miles (404 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€41) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 35m |
First bus 1:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco 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 Bakersfield, CA 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 Bakersfield, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal 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 Bakersfield, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need