- Must visit
Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT)
Major cultural complex with rotating art, history, and regional exhibitions. A top stop for understanding Baja California and Tijuana's identity.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$145
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$152
Fastest journey on Sep 19
15 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
16 h 20 m
Buses on Sep 19
9
Distance
765 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana will cost around $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $145.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana without transferring at least once.
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Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $185 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $185, while a flight costs an average of $386.
Distance: 475 miles (765 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$185 Average price Cheapest | $386 Average price | $205 Average price | $1 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 1m Average total duration 15h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 15h 55m Average total duration 15h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana:
A bus is $20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana costing on average $205.
A bus is $202 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana costing on average $386.
Other travel options to Tijuana take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 25m.
Bus takes on average 15h 31m.
Tickets start at around $185 compared to roughly $1 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-183.51. The journey takes 15h 31m versus 7h 57m 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 01:00AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $171 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 29h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $164 |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Tijuana buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 1:00 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 15h45 | 4:45 PM Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 1:00 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 19h15 | 8:15 PM Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 1:00 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 19h35 | 8:35 PM Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express) | 2 transfers | |
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 Francisco, CA to Tijuana run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $80 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 475 miles (765 km) distance in 14h 0m.
Distance 475 miles (765 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 14h 0m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Tijuana — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tijuana trip today.
Major cultural complex with rotating art, history, and regional exhibitions. A top stop for understanding Baja California and Tijuana's identity.
Museum inside CECUT focused on Baja California history, archaeology, and local development through well-curated permanent displays.
Contemporary art museum known for ambitious exhibitions, experimental programming, and strong links to the border art scene.
Tijuana's best-known avenue for walking, street life, shops, and public art, with historic importance and constant energy.
Scenic beachside area where visitors can walk the boardwalk, see the border fence meet the ocean, and enjoy sea views.
Major modern district with monuments, business towers, plazas, and cultural venues. Useful for walking between key city sights.
Caesar salad was created in Tijuana in 1924 at Caesar's. Prepared tableside with romaine, croutons, Parmesan, egg, Worcestershire, and lime.
Tijuana's Baja-style fish taco features battered local fish, cabbage, crema, and salsa in a corn tortilla. It is a defining border-city street food.
A grilled marinated shrimp taco, usually served on a corn tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. It reflects Tijuana's coastal Baja flavors.
Acclaimed Baja Med restaurant by chef Javier Plascencia, known for inventive regional dishes and a polished contemporary setting.
Casual mariscos specialist celebrated for fresh seafood tostadas, ceviches, and Baja-style fish tacos in a lively local atmosphere.
Historic dining room famous for the original Caesar salad, prepared tableside. Elegant yet classic atmosphere in central Tijuana.
Moderate for Mexico: hotels near Zona Río cost more, but tacos, coffee, and local transit stay affordable for most visitors.
Tip 10-15% in restaurants if not included. Round up or add a small tip for cafes. Taxis do not require tips, but rounding up is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Tijuana 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 Tijuana, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Francisco, CA to Tijuana buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano station pair, with some services arriving at Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto). Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Tijuana bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano is 4 km from Tijuana city centre. Public transport options include:
Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food outlets and cafes available.
Free WiFi is available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano.
Available at Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tijuana, Plaza El Mexicano: Facility is wheelchair accessible.
Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto) is 5 km from Tijuana city centre. Public transport options include:
Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food restaurants available
Free WiFi available at the terminal. ATMs are aTMs available inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto).
Available at Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tijuana, Terminal de Autobuses (Aeropuerto): Wheelchair accessible.
Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express) is 5 km from Tijuana city centre. Public transport options include:
Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express). ATMs are available at Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express).
Ticket office support is available at Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express).
Available at Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tijuana, Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas (Hotel City Express): Basic accessibility for passengers.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need