Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA bus with Burlington Trailways

Tue, Nov 25
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Burlington Trailways
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Burlington Trailways
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Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €353. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €353, and a bus costs an average of €409.

Distance: 1654 miles (2662 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€409

Average price

€353

Average price

Cheapest

73h 20m

Average total duration

72h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 9m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA by bus or flight

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.

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA

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Buses from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 72h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $502 (€409) but you can travel from only $434 (€353) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 09:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1654 miles (2662 km) distance in 72h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $434 (€353)
Distance
1654 miles (2662 km)
Average bus duration
72h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$502 (€409)
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
72h 50m
First bus
09:30
Last bus
23:25

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA start from as low as $502 (€409) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $502 (€409) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
  • On average there are 2 daily trains from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA with 0 direct service.
  • The fastest trains can take as little as 72h 50m but the average duration is 72h 50m
Train Operators
  • Travel from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA with Burlington Trailways
  • The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Burlington Trailways.
Stations & Schedule
  • Most trains depart from Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go), IA and arrive in San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
  • First train typically departs at 09:30 AM and the last at 11:25 PM
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $434 (€353)

Bus providers: Burlington Trailways from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA with Burlington Trailways for as low as $434 (€353). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Burlington Trailways

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
77h 10m
Cheapest Price
$876 (€714)
Burlington Trailways frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Iowa City, IA 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $258 (€210) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA is $282 (€230); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time between Iowa City, IA and San Francisco, CA is on average 72 h 50 min   for the 1650 mile (2662 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Iowa City, IA and San Francisco, CA by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6: 50AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11: 25PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with Burlington Trailways. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the trip from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA you can take a bus with Burlington Trailways. Be sure to check out all possible bus providers that offer services from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month for a bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel to San Francisco, CA from Iowa City, IA including taking a bus or flight.
No, the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
  • Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
  • Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
  • Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
  • Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
  • Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
  • Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
  • Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
  • Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
  • Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
  • Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA.
    No, luggage for the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA

    Iowa City
    San Francisco
    The major bus station for departures in Iowa City is Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) for your trip from Iowa City to San Francisco.
    Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go)
    information

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