- 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
€352
Average price
€352
Fastest journey
3 d
Average duration
3 d
Buses per day
1
Distance
3870 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA will cost around €352 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €352.
Of the 1 buses that leave Raleigh, NC for San Francisco, CA on Mon, Aug 24, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct buses cover the 3870 km distance in an average of 3 d but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 d .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest buses will take 3 d 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 train as it is the most popular option from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €125. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €125, and a train costs an average of €287.
Distance: 2404 miles (3870 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€198 Average price Cheapest | €543 Average price | €198 Average price |
72h 26m Average total duration 71h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 79h 7m Average total duration 78h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 25m Average total duration Fastest 11h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is €0.48 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA costing on average €198.
A bus is €345 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA costing on average €543.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 71h 56m.
Train takes on average 78h 37m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 84h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €511 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 90h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 72h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €275 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 72h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €350 |
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 Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 71h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €125 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 2404 miles (3870 km) distance in 68h 45m.
Distance 2404 miles (3870 km) |
Average bus duration 71h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price €125 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 68h 45m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA buses use the Raleigh, Bus 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 Raleigh, NC and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). ATMs are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Station is accessible for passengers with disabilities.
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