- 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 23
Cheapest price
$145
Average price
$337
Fastest journey
2 d 7 h 55 m
Average duration
2 d 13 h 2 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
2958 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA will cost around $337 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $145.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Milwaukee, WI for San Francisco, CA on Thu, Jul 23, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 23 the direct buses cover the 2958 km distance in an average of 2 d 13 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 7 h 55 m .
On Thu, Jul 23 the slowest buses will take 2 d 17 h 10 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.
1:15 AM62h00Milwaukee, WI3:15 PMSan Francisco, CA$1451One-way0 transfers- 12:30 PM55h55Milwaukee, WI8:25 PMSan Francisco, CA$2191One-way0 transfers
- 12:55 AM65h10Milwaukee, WI6:05 PMSan Francisco, CA$6471One-way0 transfers
- 12:30 PM55h55Milwaukee, WI8:25 PMSan Francisco, CA$2191One-way0 transfers
- 1:15 AM62h00Milwaukee, WI3:15 PMSan Francisco, CA$1451One-way0 transfers
- 12:55 AM65h10Milwaukee, WI6:05 PMSan Francisco, CA$6471One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $119. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 10h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $119, and a flight costs an average of $136.
Distance: 1838 miles (2958 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$323 Average price Cheapest | $392 Average price | $445 Average price | $445 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
50h 33m Average total duration 50h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 9m Average total duration 56h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 26m Average total duration Fastest 10h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 31h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $323 (€266).
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $69 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $392 (€323).
A bus is $121 (€100) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $445 (€366).
The fastest way to travel from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 10h 26m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 50h 3m.
Train takes on average 56h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Milwaukee, WI and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 65h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $470 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 71h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $427 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 62h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 61h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $232 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 55h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $235 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 55h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $219 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 53h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $230 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 59h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 53h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 76h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $334 |
Live departures
Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:20 PM Milwaukee, WI | 53h05 | 8:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
| 12:55 AM Milwaukee, WI | 65h10 | 6:05 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:15 AM Milwaukee, WI | 62h00 | 3:15 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 Milwaukee, WI 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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Why should you book Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
- 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 50h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $119 (€98) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:20, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1838 miles (2958 km) distance in 53h 5m.
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 1838 miles (2958 km) |
Average bus duration 50h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $119 (€98) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 53h 5m |
First bus 6:20 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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: Greyhound, FlixBus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $119 (€98). 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
51h 25m
Cheapest Price
$600 (€494)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
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.
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 Duration
53h 5m
Cheapest Price
$119 (€98)
Greyhound frequency
1 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.
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
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.
FAQs: Bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $119 (€98) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is $323 (€266) ; 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is 53h 5m to travel the 1838 miles (2958 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:25 PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA, you can count on Greyhound, 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 Milwaukee, WI and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Milwaukee, WI is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 53h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Milwaukee, WI and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA for bus company Greyhound, 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 Milwaukee, 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.
- 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 Greyhound, 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Milwaukee, 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).
- 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Milwaukee, WI 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA
Most Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal Station 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee
Arrival bus stations in San Francisco
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Milwaukee, Intermodal Station from Milwaukee city centre
Bus57 · 4m · $5 · every ~4 min
Wisconsin Coach Lines · 6m · $4
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop)
City-centre transport
Getting to Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) from Milwaukee city centre
BusWisconsin Coach Lines · 10m · $6
Gre · 19m · $4 · every ~8 min
Gre · 27m · $4 · every ~8 min
Gre · 29m · $4 · every ~8 min
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 from San Francisco city centre
Bus397 · 8m · $2
14, 14R · 13m · $2 · every ~30 min
101, 120 · 14m · $6 · every ~9 min
7 · 21m · $2 · every ~10 min
SubwayYellow-N, Green-N, Red-N, Blue-N · 10m · $2 · every ~27 min
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 · $2 · every ~2 min
TramN · 23m · $2 · every ~11 min
Most popular bus connections from Milwaukee, WI
More options for your journey from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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