- 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
$74
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
11 h 25 m
Average duration
12 h 50 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
738 km
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 $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 6 buses that leave San Diego, CA for San Francisco, CA on Mon, Aug 24, 2 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 738 km distance in an average of 12 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 25 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 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.
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6647 AMTRAK
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK


5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 6611 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAKOmio 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 train with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 40m. 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 train costs an average of $75, and a flight costs an average of $53.
Distance: 458 miles (738 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $87 Average price Cheapest | $194 Average price | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 44m Average total duration 12h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 56m Average total duration 13h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 40m 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.
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 $182 (€146) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $273 (€219).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 15m.
Train takes on average 13h 26m.
Tickets start at around $91 (€73) compared to roughly $119 (€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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 15h19 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:01AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 13h39 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 13h44 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $114 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h44 | 5:45 AM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 12h00 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 11h25 | 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 | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
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 | |
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 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 San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 12h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 (€58) but you can travel from only $53 (€43) 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 15m.
Distance 458 miles (738 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€58) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 15m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 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.

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.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons 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.
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