- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
$2131•One-way
Fastest
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
$1951•One-way
Cheapest, 2nd Fastest
+
Santa Fe Depot
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
$1131•One-way
The cheapest and fastest busesfrom San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CAShowing times and prices for Jul 09
Cheapest price
$113
Average price
$174
Fastest journey
11h 15m
Average duration
12h 12m
Buses per day
3
Distance
731 km
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San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA bus with Greyhound
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $53.
Distance: 458 miles (738 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price | $267 Average price | $116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 45m Average total duration 12h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 56m Average total duration 13h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $89 (€73).
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $0.71 (€0.58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $89 (€73).
A bus is $178 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $267 (€219).
The fastest way to travel from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 42m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 15m.
Train takes on average 13h 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $89 (€73) compared to roughly $116 (€95) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27 (€22). The journey takes 12h 15m versus 7h 49m 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, FlixBus.
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.
San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 15h14 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:01AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 13h39 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 13h44 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $178 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Live departures
San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 12h00 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:55 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 11h15 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK | 10:10 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h20 | 11:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
| 761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6647 AMTRAK | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 15h14 | 7:15 PM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
| · | 4:55 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 17h10 | 10:05 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
| · | 5:40 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 16h25 | 10:05 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
| 769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h39 | 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 prices and tickets San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 21 times per day, taking around 12h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $68 (€56) but you can travel from only $53 (€44) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 11h 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $53 (€44)
Distance 458 miles (738 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€56) |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 40m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $53 (€44)
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $53 (€44). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
16h 55m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€42)
FlixBus frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 40m
Cheapest Price
$68 (€56)
Greyhound frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
- Recommended
de Young Museum
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
- Must visit
Fisherman's Wharf
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
House of Prime Rib
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
La Taqueria
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Swan Oyster Depot
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotels: USD 2-5 for porters, USD 3-5 daily for housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $68 (€56) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is $89 (€73) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is 11h 40m to travel the 458 miles (738 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:25 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from San Diego, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither San Diego, CA nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA
Most San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town 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 San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in San Diego
Arrival bus stations in San Francisco
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 20m · $1
83 · 26m · $6
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 16m · every ~18 min
Blue · 21m · every ~9 min
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
City-centre transport
Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre
BusFlixBus 2017 · 25m · $2
910 · 41m · $6
TramBlue · 41m · $17 · every ~14 min
Blue · 43m · $17 · every ~14 min
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 from San Francisco city centre
Bus397 · 8m · $2
14, 14R · 13m · $2 · every ~30 min
101, 120 · 14m · $6 · every ~9 min
7 · 21m · $2 · every ~10 min
SubwayYellow-N, Green-N, Red-N, Blue-N · 10m · $2 · every ~27 min
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th StreetSan Francisco Bus Station,401 Townsend St,94107
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street from San Francisco city centre
BusEast, West · 20m · every ~4 min
Nbus, Nowl · 24m · $2 · every ~2 min
TramN · 23m · $2 · every ~11 min
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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