- 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 Sep 03
$140
Average ticket price on Sep 03
$140
Fastest journey on Sep 03
15 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 03
15 h 20 m
Buses on Sep 03
1
Distance
799 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Salem, OR 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 Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
On Thu, Sep 03, we found 1 buses from Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 03 the direct buses cover the 799 km distance in an average of 15 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 20 m .
On Thu, Sep 03 the slowest buses will take 15 h 20 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 train as it is the most popular option from Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $148 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 54m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $148, while a flight costs an average of $488.
Distance: 496 miles (799 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$148 Average price Cheapest | $488 Average price | $123 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
14h 33m Average total duration 14h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 54m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $340 (€276) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA costing on average $488 (€396).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 3m.
Tickets start at around $148 (€120) compared to roughly $123 (€99) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.58 (€-20.72). The journey takes 14h 3m versus 9h 16m 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.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
The table below shows live departures for Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:05 AM Salem, OR | 15h20 | 7:25 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 Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 14h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $82 (€67) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:55, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 496 miles (799 km) distance in 13h 45m.
Distance 496 miles (799 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $82 (€67) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 13h 45m |
First bus 7:55 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 Salem, OR 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 Salem, OR to San Francisco, CA buses use the Salem, Chemeketa Street Northeast / Liberty Street Northeast (Salem Center Mall) 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 Salem, OR and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Salem, Chemeketa Street Northeast / Liberty Street Northeast (Salem Center Mall) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several restaurants available in the mall area.
Wi-Fi is available at Salem, Chemeketa Street Northeast / Liberty Street Northeast (Salem Center Mall). ATMs are aTMs available within the mall.
Ticket office support is available at Salem, Chemeketa Street Northeast / Liberty Street Northeast (Salem Center Mall).
Available at Salem, Chemeketa Street Northeast / Liberty Street Northeast (Salem Center Mall): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Salem, Chemeketa Street Northeast / Liberty Street Northeast (Salem Center Mall): Accessible for those with mobility issues.
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