- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 29
Cheapest price on Oct 29
$609
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$609
Fastest journey on Oct 29
2 d 5 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
2 d 5 h 25 m
Buses on Oct 29
1
Distance
2837 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA will cost around $609 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $609.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
7:00 AM 53h25 Madison, WI 12:25 PM San Francisco, CA $609 1 One-way 3 transfers
7:00 AM 53h25 Madison, WI 12:25 PM San Francisco, CA $609 1 One-way 3 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 54h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $320 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1762 miles (2837 km) distance in 51h 25m.
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
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance1762 miles (2837 km)
- Average bus duration54h 46m
- Cheapest ticket price$320
- Buses per day2
- Fastest bus51h 25m
- First bus5:30 AM
- Last bus11:25 PM
- Cheapest MonthDec
- Cheapest DaySat
- High SeasonJan - Mar
- Low SeasonJul - Sep
Understand & plan this route
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
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
Frequently asked questions about your Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Cheap bus tickets from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $320 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is $366 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 5:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:25 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Vangalder Bus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 53h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $609 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 55h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $234 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 63h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $264 |
Live departures
Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM Madison, WI | 53h25 | 12:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- 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 Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Bus companies
Bus companies from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Buses from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Duration
51h 25m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
$320
Greyhound frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA for bus company Greyhound.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Complete guide to San Francisco, CA
Things to do in San Francisco, CA
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.
- Must visit
de Young Museum
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
- Must visit
The Embarcadero
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
San Francisco Sourdough
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.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
Cioppino
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.
Benu
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Sotto Mare
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
La Taqueria
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
US Dollar ($)
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $90+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Plan your visit to San Francisco, CA
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.
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.
FAQs: Bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Most Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA buses use the Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) 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 Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Madison
Arrival bus stations in San Francisco
Which Madison, WI station do buses to San Francisco, CA leave from?
Buses from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA leave from Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison). The station is from Madison, WI city centre at 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison)500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI 53706, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) from Madison city centre
Bus28, 38, 65 · 6m · $3 · every ~7 min
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) bus station facilities and services
Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison). ATMs are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison): Bus station is accessible for wheelchairs.
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride)Madison, WI, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) from Madison city centre
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) is 8 km from Madison city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) bus station facilities and services
Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride). ATMs are available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride): Accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Which San Francisco, CA station do buses from Madison, WI arrive at?
Buses from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA most often arrive at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. Some services arrive at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your San Francisco, CA arrival station.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29Transit Center Bay 29, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 from San Francisco city centre
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus397 · 8m · $3
14, 14R · 13m · $3 · every ~30 min
101, 120 · 14m · $6 · every ~9 min
7 · 21m · $3 · every ~10 min
SubwayYellow-N, Green-N, Red-N, Blue-N · 10m · $3 · every ~27 min
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th StreetSan Francisco Bus Station,401 Townsend St,94107
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street from San Francisco city centre
BusEast, West · 20m · every ~4 min
Nbus, Nowl · 24m · $3 · every ~2 min
TramN · 23m · $3 · every ~11 min
Bus stations for Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Check bus stations information for Madison, WI and San Francisco, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
When departing from Madison, WI , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), Madison, Collins Ct (Dutch Mill Park and Ride) . When arriving in San Francisco, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29, San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Madison, North Lake Street (UW- Madison), which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29, located 3 away from the city centre.
Most popular bus connections from Madison, WI
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Madison, WI
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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