- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
We are not able to find a bus between these two places.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chico, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $43, and a bus costs an average of $41.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$58 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 45m Average total duration Fastest 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chico, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $7 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chico, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $58 (€48).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 32m.
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 06:10AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:25 PM Chico, CA | 6h00 | 8:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 PM Chico, CA | 4h30 | 2:15 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
![]() | 1:25 PM Chico, CA | 6h00 | 7:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Chico, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:12, the last at 20:50. The fastest bus covers the 138 miles (223 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 4:12 AM |
Last bus 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 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 Chico, 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 Chico, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Chico, Orange St (Bus Station) 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 Chico, 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