- 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 on Oct 29
$69
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$101
Fastest journey on Oct 29
11 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
16 h 59 m
Buses on Oct 29
2
Distance
617 km
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 $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
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Buses from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 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 9h 20m.
Distance 383 miles (617 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 20m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA.
| 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 | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $258 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:52AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 11h53 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $200 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 12:11AM | Duration 16h16 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:52AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 11h58 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 22h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:52PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 11h48 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:52PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 11h48 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $185 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $190 |
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| 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 | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

Most Irvine, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) 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 Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) is 3 km from Irvine city centre. Public transport options include:
Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr). ATMs are available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr).
Ticket office support is available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr).
Available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Irvine, UCI Crawford Hall (West Peltason Dr): Accessible to persons with disabilities.
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.
Check bus stations information for Irvine, CA and San Francisco, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need