- Must visit
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A renowned desert museum combining zoo, botanical garden, art, and natural history exhibits focused on the Sonoran Desert. It is one of Tucson’s signature attractions and highly regarded for immersive
Cheapest price
$134
Average price
$237
Fastest journey
20 h 40 m
Average duration
22 h 27 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
1214 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ will cost around $237 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $141. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $141, and a flight costs an average of $149.
Distance: 754 miles (1214 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$189 Average price | $302 Average price | $180 Average price Cheapest | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 26m Average total duration 19h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 21h 21m Average total duration 20h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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 Tucson, AZ:
A train is $10 (€8) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ costing on average $189 (€156).
A train is $122 (€100) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ costing on average $302 (€248).
Other travel options to Tucson, AZ take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 56m.
Train takes on average 20h 51m.
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 06:00AM | Duration 23h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 23h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $109 |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 6:30 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 23h30 | 6:00 AM Tucson, E 12th St (Bus Station) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 7:30 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 21h05 | 4:35 AM Tucson, E 12th St (Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
· | 12:40 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 20h50 | 9:30 AM Tucson, E 12th St (Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Tucson, AZ run on average 11 times per day, taking around 19h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $86 (€71) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 754 miles (1214 km) distance in 19h 45m.
Distance 754 miles (1214 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 (€71) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 19h 45m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Tucson — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tucson trip today.
A renowned desert museum combining zoo, botanical garden, art, and natural history exhibits focused on the Sonoran Desert. It is one of Tucson’s signature attractions and highly regarded for immersive
A major downtown art museum with American, Latin American, Indigenous, and contemporary collections. It is a strong cultural stop in the historic core and often recommended for first-time visitors.
A contemporary art museum in a converted fire station, featuring rotating exhibitions and regional artists. It is popular with visitors looking for a modern and more local creative perspective.
A spectacular desert landscape filled with giant saguaro cacti, scenic drives, and classic Sonoran views. It is one of the top outdoor experiences near Tucson and especially popular at sunset.
A scenic canyon area known for desert walks, mountain views, and seasonal water crossings. It is a favorite for active visitors and one of Tucson’s most photographed natural areas.
A dramatic mountain road climbing from desert to pine forest, with major changes in scenery and temperature. It is one of the region’s signature drives and highly popular with locals and visitors.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog in a bolillo-style bun, typically topped with beans, onion, tomato, mustard, mayo, and jalapeno sauce. It is one of Tucson's signature borderlands street foods.
Air-dried beef, often shredded and cooked with eggs, chiles, or vegetables. It is a classic Sonoran specialty strongly associated with Tucson's Mexican culinary heritage.
An open-faced flour tortilla baked until crisp and topped with melted cheese, often finished with green chiles. It is a long-standing Tucson and Arizona favorite.
Well-known downtown restaurant celebrated for refined Mexican cuisine, elegant presentation, and a distinctive menu-driven dining experience.
A popular gastropub blending Southern and Southwestern flavors, known for creative comfort food and a stylish but relaxed atmosphere.
Casual favorite for inventive tacos, salsas, and tequila in a colorful, energetic setting that remains popular with locals and visitors.
Generally cheaper than major U.S. tourist cities. Hotels vary by season, while dining and transport are usually manageable.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for strong service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Francisco, CA to Tucson, AZ buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Tucson, E 12th St (Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Tuscon, University of Arizona Transportation Office. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Tucson, AZ 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