- 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
$79
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
6 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
227 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madera, 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 Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 1 buses that leave Madera, CA for San Francisco, CA on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 227 km distance in an average of 6 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 6 h 55 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $410.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $47 Average price Cheapest | $503 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $29 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $76.
A train is $456 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $503.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 54m.
Bus takes on average 4h 18m.
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 Amtrak | Departure Time 01:29AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 5h01 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:30 PM Madera, CA | 6h55 | 7:25 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, 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.
Buses from Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:25, the last at 18:29. The fastest bus covers the 141 miles (227 km) distance in 5h 1m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 1m |
First bus 5:25 AM |
Last bus 6:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 Madera, 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 Madera, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Madera, Intermodal Center / Downtown Madera to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 station pair. Use this guide to compare Madera, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madera, Intermodal Center / Downtown Madera has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Madera, Intermodal Center / Downtown Madera. ATMs are available at Madera, Intermodal Center / Downtown Madera.
Ticket office support is available at Madera, Intermodal Center / Downtown Madera.
Available at Madera, Intermodal Center / Downtown Madera: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madera, Intermodal Center / Downtown Madera: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need