- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an outstanding collection, rotating exhibitions, and a central SoMa location.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 07
Cheapest price
$66
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
11 h 48 m
Average duration
12 h 54 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
617 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Irvine, CA 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 Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Irvine, CA for San Francisco, CA on Sun, Jun 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct buses cover the 617 km distance in an average of 12 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 48 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest buses will take 14 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
4:52 PM11h48Irvine, CA4:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$661One-way0 transfers- 5:52 PM11h48Irvine, CA5:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$681One-way0 transfers
- 12:49 PM13h31Irvine, CA2:20 AMSan Francisco, CA$871One-way0 transfers
1:35 AM14h30Irvine, CA4:05 PMSan Francisco, CA$1751One-way0 transfers
- 5:52 PM11h48Irvine, CA5:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$681One-way0 transfers
- 4:52 PM11h48Irvine, CA4:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$661One-way0 transfers
- 12:49 PM13h31Irvine, CA2:20 AMSan Francisco, CA$871One-way0 transfers
- 1:35 AM14h30Irvine, CA4:05 PMSan Francisco, CA$1751One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $62, and a flight costs an average of $118.
Distance: 383 miles (617 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$90 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $336 Average price |
10h 44m Average total duration 10h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 8m Average total duration 11h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company | Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is a train with an average price of $75 (€61).
This is compared to other travel options from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $15 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $90 (€73).
A train is $261 (€213) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $336 (€274).
The fastest way to travel from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 28m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 14m.
Train takes on average 11h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:52AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 11h53 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:52AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 11h53 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:49AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 13h26 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 12:11AM | Duration 16h16 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:52AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 11h48 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:49PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 13h31 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:52PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 11h48 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:52PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 11h48 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Live departures
Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:52 PM Irvine, CA | 11h48 | 4:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:52 PM Irvine, CA | 11h48 | 5:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 7 | |||||
| 1:35 AM Irvine, CA | 14h30 | 4:05 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 Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Jun 07
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Why should you book Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 10h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 383 miles (617 km) distance in 11h 48m.
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
Distance 383 miles (617 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 11h 48m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus for as low as $60 (€49). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 40m
Cheapest Price
$60 (€49)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Hands-on science and perception museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
- Recommended
de Young Museum
Fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park known for American art, textiles, global collections, and its observation tower.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Vast urban park with gardens, museums, lakes, trails, and open space, ideal for walking, cycling, and relaxing.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Famous crooked block with sharp turns, flower beds, and classic city views, especially popular with first-time visitors.
- Must visit
Painted Ladies at Alamo Square
Iconic row of Victorian houses facing a hilltop park with one of the city's most photographed skyline backdrops.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, usually filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco’s most famous loaf, known for its tangy flavor from local wild yeast culture and a long baking tradition.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large foil-wrapped burrito popularized in the Mission District, typically packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
House of Prime Rib
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-school service and a bustling supper-club atmosphere.
La Taqueria
Legendary Mission District taqueria famous for mission-style burritos and tacos, with a casual fast-moving atmosphere.
Swan Oyster Depot
Iconic no-frills seafood counter celebrated for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and shellfish with a classic local feel.
United States Dollar
One of the priciest U.S. cities. Hotels, dining, parking, and taxes are high, though casual food options exist.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food, food trucks, or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks, tax, and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a basic latte.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 18-20% standard, 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping, USD 1-2 per bag for porters.
FAQs: Bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $60 (€49) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is $90 (€73) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is 11h 48m to travel the 383 miles (617 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 4:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Irvine, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 48m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company FlixBus.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Irvine, CA nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
Irvine
San Francisco
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
Most popular bus connections from Irvine, CA
More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Irvine, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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