- 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 Sep 06
$180
Average ticket price on Sep 06
$180
Fastest journey on Sep 06
2 d 11 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 06
2 d 11 h 5 m
Buses on Sep 06
1
Distance
2958 km
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 $180 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $180.
On Sun, Sep 06, we found 1 buses from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 06 the direct buses cover the 2958 km distance in an average of 2 d 11 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 11 h 5 m .
On Sun, Sep 06 the slowest buses will take 2 d 11 h 5 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 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 an average ticket price of $333 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $333, while a flight costs an average of $624.
Distance: 1838 miles (2958 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$333 Average price Cheapest | $393 Average price | $624 Average price | $459 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
54h 34m Average total duration 54h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 22m Average total duration 56h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 44m Average total duration Fastest 6h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 31h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $59 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $393 (€317).
A bus is $291 (€235) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA costing on average $624 (€504).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 54h 4m.
Train takes on average 56h 52m.
Tickets start at around $333 (€269) compared to roughly $459 (€371) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $126 (€102). The journey takes 54h 4m versus 31h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| 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 $478 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 71h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $434 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 62h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 61h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $237 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 55h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $239 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 55h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $223 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 53h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $234 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 59h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 53h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 76h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $340 |
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:30 AM Milwaukee, WI | 55h55 | 7:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:00 PM Milwaukee, WI | 59h05 | 2:05 AM 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 54h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $116 (€93) 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 50h 4m.
Distance 1838 miles (2958 km) |
Average bus duration 54h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 (€93) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 50h 4m |
First bus 6:20 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 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.

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.
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station is 1 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, Intermodal Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafe and vending machines available.
Wi-Fi available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station.
Available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, Intermodal Station: ADA compliant with elevators and ramps.
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) is 10 km from Milwaukee city centre. Public transport options include:
Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food options are available within the airport terminal.
Wi-Fi is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop). ATMs are aTMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop).
Available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop): The station is accessible with facilities for disabled passengers.
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