- 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
$506
Average price
$518
Fastest journey
2 d 7 h 35 m
Average duration
2 d 12 h 10 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
3394 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA will cost around $518 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $506.
It's difficult to get from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 2 times.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $138. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $138, and a flight costs an average of $235.
Distance: 2108 miles (3394 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$183 Average price Cheapest | $289 Average price | $501 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
57h 20m Average total duration 56h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 19m Average total duration Fastest 8h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 35h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $106 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA costing on average $289.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 56h 50m.
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 03:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 63h55 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $281 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 58h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $611 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 69h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $510 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 55h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $530 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 58h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $589 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 64h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $506 |
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 AM Columbus, OH | 63h55 | 7:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:50 AM Columbus, OH | 58h35 | 8:25 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 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 Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 56h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $138 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 2108 miles (3394 km) distance in 58h 40m.
Distance 2108 miles (3394 km) |
Average bus duration 56h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $138 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 58h 40m |
First bus 4:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA buses use the Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) 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 Columbus, OH and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible bus platforms.
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.
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