- Must visit
Palmer Museum of Art
Penn State’s art museum with strong American art, contemporary works, and rotating exhibitions in a major new building on campus.
Cheapest price
$241
Average price
$241
Fastest journey
2 d 23 h 50 m
Average duration
2 d 23 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
3808 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to State College, PA 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 State College, PA will cost around $241 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $241.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for State College, PA on Mon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 3808 km distance in an average of 2 d 23 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 23 h 50 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 2 d 23 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to State College, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $240. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $240, and a train costs an average of $546.
Distance: 2366 miles (3808 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$244 Average price Cheapest | $524 Average price | $911 Average price | $551 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
75h 30m Average total duration 75h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 29m Average total duration Fastest 8h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 82h 40m Average total duration 82h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 39h 20m 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 State College, PA:
A bus is $280 (€225) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to State College, PA costing on average $524 (€421).
A bus is $667 (€537) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to State College, PA costing on average $911 (€734).
Other travel options to State College, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 75h 0m.
Train takes on average 82h 10m.
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 San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 75h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $766 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 04:44PM | Duration 104h24 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $768 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 71h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $241 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 65h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $240 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 87h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $251 |
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 State College, PA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 75h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $240 (€193) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 10:30, the last at 19:35. The fastest bus covers the 2366 miles (3808 km) distance in 65h 50m.
Distance 2366 miles (3808 km) |
Average bus duration 75h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $240 (€193) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 65h 50m |
First bus 10:30 AM |
Last bus 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of State College — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect State College trip today.
Penn State’s art museum with strong American art, contemporary works, and rotating exhibitions in a major new building on campus.
Museum inside Beaver Stadium covering Penn State athletics history, legendary teams, and memorabilia tied to the university’s sports culture.
Regional art museum in nearby Bellefonte with local history and changing exhibitions, popular for a short side trip from State College.
Beautiful botanical garden and walking area with seasonal plantings, sculptures, and the popular H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens.
Lively core of the town with shops, public art, events, and a walkable college-town atmosphere centered around campus edges.
Popular viewpoint area reached by hiking trails, offering one of the best panoramic perspectives over the State College region.
Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream is the town's signature treat, made from the university's long dairy tradition and famous for rich classic flavors.
A central Pennsylvania breakfast pastry made from sweet dough baked in caramel and cinnamon, often served warm with cream or ice cream.
A Pennsylvania Dutch favorite pairing crisp fried chicken with waffles, balancing savory and sweet in a dish widely loved in the region.
The iconic Penn State ice cream destination, best for classic scoops, milkshakes, and a true State College food experience.
A beloved local breakfast institution famous for hearty morning plates, waffles, and regional comfort food in a casual setting.
A well-known local pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and sandwiches in a lively, reliable neighborhood atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and events can cost more on busy university weekends.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants before tax; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff if helped.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to State College, PA 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 State College, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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