- Must visit
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Showing times and prices for Jul 26
Cheapest price
$181
Average price
$239
Fastest journey
2 d 2 h 50 m
Average duration
2 d 7 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
3130 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN will cost around $239 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for Indianapolis, IN on Sun, Jul 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 26 the direct buses cover the 3130 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 2 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jul 26 the slowest buses will take 2 d 12 h 50 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.
8:30 PM50h50San Francisco, CA11:20 PMIndianapolis, IN$1811One-way0 transfers- 5:40 AM60h50San Francisco, CA6:30 PMIndianapolis, IN$2971One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 PM50h50San Francisco, CA11:20 PMIndianapolis, IN$1811One-way0 transfers
- 5:40 AM60h50San Francisco, CA6:30 PMIndianapolis, IN$2971One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $126. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $126, and a train costs an average of $156.
Distance: 1944 miles (3130 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$234 Average price Cheapest | $387 Average price | $344 Average price | $371 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
58h 0m Average total duration 57h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 32m Average total duration 57h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 35m Average total duration Fastest 5h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 32h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
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 |
The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN is a bus with an average price of $234 (€234).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is $110 (€110) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $344 (€344).
A bus is $153 (€153) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN costing on average $387 (€387).
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 35m.
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Train takes on average 57h 2m.
Bus takes on average 57h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Indianapolis, IN including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 60h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $297 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 60h05 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $229 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 71h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $529 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $181 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $147 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN buses for today, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 PM San Francisco, CA | 50h50 | 11:20 PM Indianapolis, IN | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN 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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Jul 26
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Aug 01
Aug 01
Why should you book San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN.
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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN.
- 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN.
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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN run on average 11 times per day, taking around 57h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $126 (€126) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 1944 miles (3130 km) distance in 50h 50m.
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
Distance 1944 miles (3130 km) |
Average bus duration 57h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $126 (€126) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 50h 50m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, INYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $126 (€126). 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
71h 5m
Cheapest Price
$529 (€529)
FlixBus frequency
1 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
50h 50m
Cheapest Price
$126 (€126)
Greyhound frequency
8 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 Indianapolis, IN
Things to do in Indianapolis, IN
Discover the best of Indianapolis, IN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis, IN trip today.
- Must visit
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Leading art museum set on the Newfields campus, with major collections from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America plus temporary exhibitions.
- Recommended
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Museum and restored home of the 23rd U.S. president. Guided visits reveal politics, domestic life, and architecture from the late 1800s.
- Must visit
Central Canal
Pedestrian-friendly downtown canal lined with museums, public art, and boats. Ideal for a scenic walk and one of the city's most popular areas.
- Must visit
Monument Circle
Historic city center surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. A signature urban space for architecture, events, and classic downtown views.
- Must visit
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Popular cultural trail linking downtown districts with public art, bike lanes, and green streetscape design. Perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Indiana pork tenderloin sandwich is a breaded, fried cutlet served on a bun, often comically oversized. It is a beloved statewide classic common in Indianapolis pubs and diners.
- Vegetarian
Sugar Cream Pie
Sugar cream pie is Indiana's state pie, made with cream, sugar, and nutmeg. Its simple farm-pantry origins make it a traditional Hoosier dessert tied closely to local identity.
- Gluten-free
St. Elmo-Style Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail in Indianapolis style features chilled shrimp with very spicy tomato-horseradish sauce. St. Elmo made this fiery version a city dining icon.
Vida
Established fine-dining restaurant serving seasonal Midwestern cuisine with polished service. Known for refined plates and a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
St. Elmo Steak House
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for aged steaks and the city's iconic fiery shrimp cocktail. Classic, upscale atmosphere with longstanding local prestige.
Harry & Izzy's
Long-running Indianapolis institution known for classic steaks, seafood, and old-school service. A traditional downtown choice with historic local character.
United States Dollar ($)
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are mid-range, while transit is limited so many visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-$18 for fast food or a casual meal.
- Mid-range
- $20-$40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $3-$6 for coffee or a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN can start from as little as $126 (€126) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN is $234 (€234) ; 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN is 50h 50m to travel the 1944 miles (3130 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN leaves at 3:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Indianapolis, IN. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and Indianapolis, IN and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Indianapolis, IN from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 50h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Indianapolis, IN including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Indianapolis, IN are:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a historic racing circuit known for hosting the Indianapolis 500
- The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the world's largest children's museum featuring interactive exhibits
- Indianapolis Zoo, a popular attraction with diverse animal exhibits and a botanical garden
- Indiana State Museum, showcasing the state's history, art, and science through various exhibits
- White River State Park, a sprawling urban park offering trails, gardens, and cultural attractions.
The best things to do in Indianapolis, IN include:
- Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, a vast art museum with extensive collections and beautiful gardens
- Attend a race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the iconic Indy 500
- Explore the interactive exhibits and educational programs at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Visit the dolphin pavilion and animal habitats at the Indianapolis Zoo
- Enjoy a walk along the canal and cultural attractions at White River State Park.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN:
- 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN:
- 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN. 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor Indianapolis, IN 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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in busy areas like downtown and near major event venues. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi or rideshare drivers and distraction tactics used to steal belongings. It's advised to use authorized transportation services, avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night, and keep valuables secure.
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 Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Most San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building). Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Indianapolis, IN bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in San Francisco
Arrival bus stations in Indianapolis
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 · $5 · 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
Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station)
Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building)
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Indianapolis, IN and San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections to Indianapolis, IN
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