- 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 Oct 16
$69
Average ticket price on Oct 16
$145
Fastest journey on Oct 16
11 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Oct 16
12 h 50 m
Buses on Oct 16
4
Distance
621 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
4985 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 Connecting Bus
4969 NA · 769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 Connecting Bus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
4969 NA · 769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 Connecting Bus
FlixBus · FlixBus
4985 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 Connecting BusBuses from Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $93 (€78) but you can travel from only $61 (€51) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 04:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 385 miles (621 km) distance in 9h 0m.
Distance 385 miles (621 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€78) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 0m |
First bus 4:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 07:30AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $213 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $230 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $250 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $212 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 28h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $143 |
The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Thursday, October 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:00 PM Riverside, CA | 12h40 | 4:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Riverside, CA | 12h40 | 5:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Riverside, Parking Lot 30 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 Riverside, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 is 6 km from Riverside city centre. Public transport options include:
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30. ATMs are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Ticket office support is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Accessible pathways for wheelchairs.
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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