- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Major art museum with collections spanning ancient to contemporary works, plus a large outdoor park with public art and trails.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC
Showing times and prices for May 30
Cheapest price
$307
Average price
$348
Fastest journey
2 d 20 h
Average duration
3 d 1 h 27 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
3870 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC will cost around $348 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $307.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC without transferring at least 3 times.
· · · 10:30 PM85h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 293:10 PMRaleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC$3071One-way4 transfers- · · · 1:30 PM70h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 293:10 PMRaleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC$3231One-way5 transfers
- · · · 1:30 PM68h00San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:30 PMRaleigh, Bus Station$3251One-way5 transfers
- · · · 10:30 PM70h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:10 AMRaleigh, Bus Station$3301One-way3 transfers
- · · · 6:30 AM72h15San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 299:45 AMRaleigh, Bus Station$4531One-way5 transfers
- · · · 1:30 PM68h00San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:30 PMRaleigh, Bus Station$3251One-way5 transfers
- · · · 10:30 PM70h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:10 AMRaleigh, Bus Station$3301One-way3 transfers
- · · · 1:30 PM70h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 293:10 PMRaleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC$3231One-way5 transfers
- · · · 6:30 AM72h15San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 299:45 AMRaleigh, Bus Station$4531One-way5 transfers
- · · · 10:30 PM85h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 293:10 PMRaleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC$3071One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $223. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 14h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $223, and a train costs an average of $507.
Distance: 2404 miles (3870 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$328 Average price | $308 Average price Cheapest | $889 Average price | $578 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
75h 43m Average total duration 75h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 36m Average total duration Fastest 14h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 81h 54m Average total duration 81h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC is a flight with an average price of $308 (€248).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC:
A flight is $20 (€16) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $328 (€264).
A flight is $581 (€467) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $889 (€715).
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC is by flight with an average journey time of 14h 36m.
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 75h 13m.
Train takes on average 81h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Raleigh, NC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 72h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $453 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 70h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $532 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 12:47PM | Duration 76h27 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $822 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 68h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $323 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 76h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $458 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 70h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $307 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC buses for tomorrow, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · · · | 6:30 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 72h15 | 9:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5 transfers | |
| · · · | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 70h40 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 5 transfers | |
| · · · | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 68h00 | 12:30 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5 transfers | |
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 Raleigh, NC 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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Why should you book San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus 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 Raleigh, NC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- 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 Raleigh, NC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC run on average 7 times per day, taking around 75h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $222 (€178) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 2404 miles (3870 km) distance in 68h 0m.
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 2404 miles (3870 km) |
Average bus duration 75h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $222 (€178) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 68h 0m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 49 days |
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: FlixBus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NCYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC with FlixBus for as low as $222 (€178). 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
76h 26m
Cheapest Price
$822 (€661)
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.
Complete guide to Raleigh
Things to do in Raleigh
Discover the best of Raleigh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh trip today.
- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
One of the Southeast's leading natural history museums, known for dinosaur exhibits, live animals, and a research-focused science center.
- Recommended
North Carolina Museum of History
State history museum covering North Carolina's past through artifacts, military history, sports, and changing temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
Pullen Park
One of the oldest public parks in the United States, loved for its carousel, lake, trains, and broad family-friendly green space.
- Must visit
Dorothea Dix Park
Expansive urban park with skyline views, open lawns, seasonal sunflowers, and major popularity for walks, picnics, and photos.
- Must visit
William B. Umstead State Park
Large forested park on the edge of Raleigh offering lakes, hiking, cycling, and one of the area's best nature escapes.
- Gluten-free
Eastern North Carolina Whole-Hog Barbecue
Slow-smoked whole hog chopped fine and dressed with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce. It is one of North Carolina's most iconic regional foods and widely celebrated around Raleigh.
Pork Barbecue Sandwich
Chopped smoked pork served on a bun, often topped with slaw. This is a classic way locals eat North Carolina barbecue, especially at longtime casual spots.
- Vegetarian
Barbecue Hushpuppies
Deep-fried cornmeal dumplings commonly served with North Carolina barbecue. They are a beloved side across the Raleigh area and Southern piedmont.
Crawford and Son
Respected neighborhood restaurant offering refined Southern-influenced American cuisine, thoughtful cocktails, and a warm upscale atmosphere.
Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
Longtime Raleigh institution best known for hearty Southern breakfasts, biscuits, country ham, and a classic old-school local feel.
Poole's Diner
Established Raleigh favorite known for elevated comfort food, seasonal Southern cooking, and a stylish diner atmosphere. Famous for macaroni au gratin and creative plates.
United States Dollar
Moderate for U.S. travel. Dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels can rise during events and peak weekends.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-6 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at full-service restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC can start from as little as $222 (€178) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC is $328 (€264) ; 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 Raleigh, NC is 68h 0m to travel the 2404 miles (3870 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 Raleigh, NC leaves at 6:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Raleigh, NC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and Raleigh, NC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Raleigh, NC from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 68h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Raleigh, NC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Raleigh, NC are:
- North Carolina Museum of Art, a renowned museum featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world and outdoor sculpture park
- Pullen Park, a historic public park offering playgrounds, a carousel, and pedal boats
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, an educational museum with exhibits on natural history and interactive displays
- William B. Umstead State Park, a large state park providing hiking, biking, and equestrian trails
- Historic Yates Mill County Park, a restored 18th-century gristmill with scenic trails and educational programs.
The best things to do in Raleigh, NC include:
- Raleigh City Market, a historic market area with shops, dining, and events
- JC Raulston Arboretum, a beautiful garden with a diverse collection of plants and themed gardens
- Marbles Kids Museum, an interactive museum designed for children with hands-on exhibits and activities
- Red Hat Amphitheater, an outdoor venue hosting concerts and events
- Adventure Landing, a family-friendly amusement park with mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC depends on the bus companies:
- 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 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 Raleigh, NC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC:
- 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 Raleigh, NC:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC. 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 Raleigh, NC with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor Raleigh, NC 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi or ride-share drivers and fake ticket sellers near popular attractions. Staying aware of surroundings and using authorized transportation services helps ensure safety.
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 Raleigh, NC
San Francisco
Raleigh
The major bus station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 for your trip from San Francisco to Raleigh.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Raleigh is Raleigh, Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Raleigh, Bus Station for your trip to Raleigh from San Francisco.
Raleigh, Bus Station
information
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon)
information
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Raleigh, NC and San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections to Raleigh, NC
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