- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $145. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $145, and a train costs an average of $338.
Distance: 1798 miles (2895 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$145 Average price Cheapest | $188 Average price | $338 Average price | $420 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
51h 55m Average total duration 51h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 48m Average total duration Fastest 6h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 69h 57m Average total duration 69h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN costing on average $188 (€154).
A bus is $193 (€158) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN costing on average $338 (€277).
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Bus takes on average 51h 25m.
Train takes on average 69h 27m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:59AM | Duration 51h29 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $203 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 11:59AM | Duration 50h29 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 57h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $599 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 51h25 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 51h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $215 |
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 Memphis, TN run on average 7 times per day, taking around 51h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $145 (€119) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:35, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1798 miles (2895 km) distance in 51h 25m.
Distance 1798 miles (2895 km) |
Average bus duration 51h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $145 (€119) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 51h 25m |
First bus 1:35 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Memphis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis trip today.
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Museum on the original Stax Records site, celebrating soul music legends and the label’s deep connection to Memphis. A favorite for music fans and culture-focused visitors.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum telling the story of Memphis music, from rural roots to the rise of rock and soul. Compact, well-curated, and easy to pair with Beale Street.
Memphis’s most famous entertainment street, known for live music, neon signs, and deep blues heritage. A core stop for first-time visitors day or night.
Walkable downtown district with galleries, restored buildings, murals, and a more local feel than Beale Street. Popular for photography and casual exploring.
Huge urban park with lakes, trails, open space, and outdoor recreation. One of the best green spaces in Memphis for families, walkers, and cyclists.
Slow-smoked pork ribs, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are one of Memphis’s signature barbecue specialties.
Chopped or pulled smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with slaw. It is a classic everyday Memphis barbecue order.
Memphis barbecue famous for a spice rub applied before smoking rather than heavy sauce. It highlights the city’s pit-smoking tradition.
Established upscale downtown restaurant offering tasting flights, refined New American dishes, and a polished atmosphere.
Beloved local barbecue spot celebrated for ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue spaghetti in an unfussy traditional atmosphere.
Popular long-running barbecue restaurant known for Memphis-style ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings in a lively casual setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than in larger coastal cities, though tourist areas and live music venues cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or tip 10-15%, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Francisco, CA to Memphis, TN buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Memphis, Airways Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Memphis, TN bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need