San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA bus with Greyhound

Tue, May 26
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for May 26

Cheapest price

$74

Average price

$114

Fastest journey

11 h 40 m

Average duration

12 h 56 m

Buses per day

6

Distance

738 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.

Fast buses

Of the 6 buses that leave San Diego, CA for San Francisco, CA on Tue, May 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, May 26 the direct buses cover the 738 km distance in an average of 12 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 40 m .

On Tue, May 26 the slowest buses will take 13 h 44 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.

  • Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
    4:01 PM13h44
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    5:45 AMSan Francisco, CA
    $741One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
    8:01 AM13h39
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    9:40 PMSan Francisco, CA
    $741One-way
    1 transfer
  • Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6647 AMTRAK
    4:01 AM15h14
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    7:15 PMSan Francisco, CA
    $941One-way
    2 transfers
  • Amtrak5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK
    10:10 PM13h20
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    11:30 AMSan Francisco, CA
    $1281One-way
    2 transfers
  • Greyhound
    7:35 PM11h40
    San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
    7:15 AMSan Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
    $1551One-way
    0 transfers

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 $69. 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 $69, and a flight costs an average of $54.

Distance: 458 miles (738 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$90

Average price

Cheapest

$91

Average price

$272

Average price

$118

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

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Alaska Airlines

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 $90 (€73).

This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA:

A bus is $0.72 (€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 $91 (€73).

A bus is $181 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $272 (€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 $90 (€73) compared to roughly $118 (€95) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $28 (€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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
04:01AM
Arrival Time
07:15PM
Duration
15h14
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$94
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
16h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$112
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
06:20AM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
15h45
Departure days
Wed, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$136
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
15h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:05AM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
15h00
Departure days
Wed, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$122
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
08:01AM
Arrival Time
09:40PM
Duration
13h39
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
04:01PM
Arrival Time
05:45AM
Duration
13h44
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$74
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
07:15AM
Duration
12h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$92
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:10PM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
12h00
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$105
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:35PM
Arrival Time
07:15AM
Duration
11h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$90
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
07:10AM
Duration
11h15
Departure days
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$103
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
10:10PM
Arrival Time
11:30AM
Duration
13h20
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$113

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, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greyhound7:00 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
12h15
7:15 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 290 transfersDirect
Greyhound7:35 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
11h40
7:15 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 290 transfersDirect
Amtrak5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK10:10 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
13h20
11:30 AM San Francisco, CA2 transfers
Tuesday, May 26
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6647 AMTRAK4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
15h14
7:15 PM San Francisco, CA2 transfers
Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
13h39
9:40 PM San Francisco, CA1 transfer

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
USAUSA
Icon of bus

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 $69 (€56) but you can travel from only $54 (€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 $54 (€44)
Distance
458 miles (738 km)
Average bus duration
12h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$69 (€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 $54 (€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 $54 (€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
$52 (€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
$69 (€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

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and a striking SoMa building.

  • Must visit

Exploratorium

Hands-on science and perception museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.

  • Must visit

California Academy of Sciences

Large natural history and science museum with aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome in Golden Gate Park.

United States Dollar

San Francisco is one of the priciest U.S. cities. Hotels, dining, and parking are costly, though casual food options exist.

Average meal costs

Budget
USD 12-20 for fast casual or takeout.
Mid-range
USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
Fine dining
USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
Coffee
USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a latte.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Not expected at fast food.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $69 (€56) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is $90 (€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

San Diego
San Francisco
The major bus station for departures in San Diego is San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) for your trip from San Diego to San Francisco.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
information
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
information
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
information

Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA

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