- 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
$146
Average price
$460
Fastest journey
2 d 21 h 55 m
Average duration
3 d 3 h 58 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
4051 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $460 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $146.
Of the 4 buses that leave Philadelphia, PA for San Francisco, CA on Wed, Aug 26, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 4051 km distance in an average of 3 d 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 21 h 55 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 3 d 18 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $172. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $172, and a train costs an average of $280.
Distance: 2517 miles (4051 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$235 Average price Cheapest | $290 Average price | $1022 Average price | $728 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
68h 40m Average total duration 68h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 40m Average total duration Fastest 6h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 74h 16m Average total duration 73h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $56 (€45) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $290 (€234).
A bus is $787 (€634) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $1022 (€822).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 68h 10m.
Train takes on average 73h 46m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 90h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $717 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:01PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 70h09 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $279 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 80h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $547 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 70h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 75h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $211 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 73h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $425 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 69h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $553 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 84h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $285 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 5:35 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 70h00 | 12:35 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 3 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
![]() | 12:00 AM Philadelphia, PA | 90h05 | 6:05 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
FlixBus+ · · | 10:00 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 84h10 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 5 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
![]() | 4:05 PM Philadelphia, PA | 70h10 | 2:15 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 68h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $172 (€139) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 2517 miles (4051 km) distance in 69h 50m.
Distance 2517 miles (4051 km) |
Average bus duration 68h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $172 (€139) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 69h 50m |
First bus 1:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) 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 Philadelphia, PA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) is 2 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park). ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): The bus stop is accessible with ramps.
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Wheelchair accessible area.
Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars and vending machines are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are an ATM is available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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