- 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 Aug 29
$71
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$95
Fastest journey on Aug 29
10 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
12 h 35 m
Buses on Aug 29
5
Distance
683 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $95 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 5 buses from Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct buses cover the 683 km distance in an average of 12 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 40 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest buses will take 14 h 23 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.
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6697 AMTRAK
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK

5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6697 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $74 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 11m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $74, while a flight costs an average of $252.
Distance: 424 miles (683 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price | $252 Average price | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 25m Average total duration 10h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 58m Average total duration 12h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $8 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $82 (€66).
A bus is $178 (€144) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $252 (€204).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 55m.
Train takes on average 12h 28m.
Tickets start at around $74 (€60) compared to roughly $111 (€90) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $37 (€30). The journey takes 10h 55m versus 7h 24m 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.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
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 04:20AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:57AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 14h23 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:57AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 12h43 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:57PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 12h43 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:57PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 12h43 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
The table below shows live departures for Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6697 AMTRAK | 4:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 14h23 | 7:20 PM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 8:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 12h43 | 9:40 PM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $62 (€51) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 424 miles (683 km) distance in 10h 30m.
Distance 424 miles (683 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€51) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 30m |
First bus 4:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
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 Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.) 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 Oceanside, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.). ATMs are available at Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.).
Ticket office support is available at Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.).
Available at Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.): Station is wheelchair accessible.
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.
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