- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 09
€137
Average ticket price on Sep 09
€148
Fastest journey on Sep 09
2 d 3 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 09
2 d 7 h 58 m
Buses on Sep 09
8
Distance
3130 km
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 €148 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €137.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN without transferring at least 2 times.
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· · 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 an average ticket price of €273 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €273, while a train costs an average of €929.
Distance: 1944 miles (3130 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€273 Average price Cheapest | €929 Average price | €689 Average price | €377 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
54h 58m Average total duration 54h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 38m Average total duration 57h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 27m Average total duration Fastest 6h 27m Onboard + 2h 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN:
A bus is €416 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN costing on average €689.
A bus is €656 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN costing on average €929.
Other travel options to Indianapolis, IN take longer:
Bus takes on average 54h 28m.
Train takes on average 57h 8m.
Tickets start at around €273 compared to roughly €377 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €104. The journey takes 54h 28m versus 32h 50m 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 58h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 55h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €122 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 55h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 65h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 61h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €141 |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN buses for today, Tuesday, September 8. 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 | 58h30 | 2:30 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 8:55 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 55h35 | 7:30 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 8:55 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 60h10 | 12:05 AM Indianapolis, IN | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 1:10 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 51h20 | 7:30 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 1:10 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 55h55 | 12:05 AM Indianapolis, IN | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 6:05 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 65h25 | 2:30 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 4 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 Indianapolis, IN run on average 6 times per day, taking around 54h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €170 but you can travel from only €150 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 1944 miles (3130 km) distance in 48h 0m.
Distance 1944 miles (3130 km) |
Average bus duration 54h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price €170 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 48h 0m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Indianapolis, IN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Indianapolis, IN trip today.
World-class children's museum with science, history, dinosaurs, sports, and immersive exhibits. One of Indianapolis's signature attractions for all ages.
Leading art museum set on the Newfields campus, with major collections from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America plus temporary exhibitions.
Museum and restored home of the 23rd U.S. president. Guided visits reveal politics, domestic life, and architecture from the late 1800s.
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.
Historic city center surrounding the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. A signature urban space for architecture, events, and classic downtown views.
Popular cultural trail linking downtown districts with public art, bike lanes, and green streetscape design. Perfect for exploring the city on foot.
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.
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.
Shrimp cocktail in Indianapolis style features chilled shrimp with very spicy tomato-horseradish sauce. St. Elmo made this fiery version a city dining icon.
Established fine-dining restaurant serving seasonal Midwestern cuisine with polished service. Known for refined plates and a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
Historic downtown steakhouse famous for aged steaks and the city's iconic fiery shrimp cocktail. Classic, upscale atmosphere with longstanding local prestige.
Long-running Indianapolis institution known for classic steaks, seafood, and old-school service. A traditional downtown choice with historic local character.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are mid-range, while transit is limited so many visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
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.

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. 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.
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.
Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station. ATMs are aTM is located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station): The station is wheelchair accessible.
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