The cheapest and fastest buses from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$9
Fastest journey
2 h 44 m
Average duration
2 h 44 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
52 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Mountain View, 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 Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
It's difficult to get from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
2:19 AM2h44Mountain View, CA5:03 AMSan Francisco, CA$91One-way1 transfer
2:19 AM2h44Mountain View, CA5:03 AMSan Francisco, CA$91One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 32 miles (52 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 12m Average total duration 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $19 (€15).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 42m.
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.
Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 12:41AM | Arrival Time 03:21AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 12:42AM | Arrival Time 03:21AM | Duration 2h39 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 04:03AM | Duration 2h38 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Santa Clara VTA | Departure Time 02:19AM | Arrival Time 05:03AM | Duration 2h44 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Live departures
Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:19 AM Mountain View, CA | 2h44 | 5:03 AM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA
Buses from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:41, the last at 02:19. The fastest bus covers the 32 miles (52 km) distance in 2h 38m.
Distance 32 miles (52 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 38m |
First bus 12:41 AM |
Last bus 2:19 AM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Bus providers: Santa Clara VTA from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA with Santa Clara VTA for as low as $9 (€7). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Santa Clara VTA
FAQs: Bus from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mountain View, 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.

- 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.
- 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.
More options for your journey from Mountain View, CA to San Francisco, CA
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