The cheapest and fastest buses from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$884
Average price
$884
Fastest journey
3 d 8 h 25 m
Average duration
3 d 8 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2662 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $884 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $884.
It's difficult to get from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 2 times.


Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight 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
| Bus | Most popular 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 |
Live departures
Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Saturday, January 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:50 PM Iowa City, IA | 72h50 | 1:40 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Jan 11
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA
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 $507 (€409) but you can travel from only $438 (€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.
Distance 1654 miles (2662 km) |
Average bus duration 72h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $507 (€409) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 72h 50m |
First bus 09:30 |
Last bus 23:25 |
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 $438 (€353). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Burlington Trailways
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.

- 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Iowa City, IA to San Francisco, CA
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