- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for May 31
Cheapest price
$174
Average price
$359
Fastest journey
2 d 19 h 5 m
Average duration
3 d 4 h 43 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
3919 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around $359 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $174.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for Washington, DC on Sun, May 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 3919 km distance in an average of 3 d 4 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 19 h 5 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 4 d 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.
8:30 PM67h05San Francisco, CA3:35 PMWashington, DC$1741One-way0 transfers- 5:40 AM96h00San Francisco, CA5:40 AMWashington, DC$3491One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM67h05San Francisco, CA4:35 PMWashington, DC$5531One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM67h05San Francisco, CA4:35 PMWashington, DC$5531One-way0 transfers
- 8:30 PM67h05San Francisco, CA3:35 PMWashington, DC$1741One-way0 transfers
- 5:40 AM96h00San Francisco, CA5:40 AMWashington, DC$3491One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $165. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $165, and a train costs an average of $214.
Distance: 2435 miles (3919 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$398 Average price | $344 Average price Cheapest | $1002 Average price |
69h 39m Average total duration 69h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 35m Average total duration Fastest 5h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 71h 45m Average total duration 71h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC is a flight with an average price of $344 (€277).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC:
A flight is $54 (€43) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $398 (€320).
A flight is $658 (€530) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $1002 (€807).
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 35m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 69h 9m.
Train takes on average 71h 15m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 96h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $316 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 75h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $407 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 72h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 75h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $353 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 72h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 72h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $686 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 71h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $450 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 71h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $448 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 67h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 67h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $471 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 76h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $173 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC buses for today, 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 | 72h50 | 10:20 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5 transfers | |
| · · · | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 67h05 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 81h10 | 1:40 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 4 transfers | |
| · · +FlixBus | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 96h10 | 1:40 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 4 transfers | |
| · · · | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 76h05 | 5:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4 transfers | |
| 5:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 96h00 | 5:40 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- 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 Greyhound 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 Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- 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 Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC run on average 8 times per day, taking around 69h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $164 (€132) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 2435 miles (3919 km) distance in 67h 5m.
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 2435 miles (3919 km) |
Average bus duration 69h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $164 (€132) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 67h 5m |
First bus 3:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 42 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: Greyhound from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC with Greyhound for as low as $164 (€132). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
67h 5m
Cheapest Price
$164 (€132)
Greyhound frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Washington
Things to do in Washington
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to modern times, plus a celebrated sculpture garden and strong temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Iconic Smithsonian museum covering aviation and space exploration, with historic aircraft and spacecraft that make it a top draw in the city.
- Must visit
National Mall
Washington’s signature civic landscape lined with museums and monuments, ideal for walking and the city’s top first-time visitor area.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, rowhouses, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic walking area around the water framed by major memorials, especially famous during cherry blossom season.
Half-Smoke
Washington’s signature sausage, usually a coarse smoked pork-and-beef link served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Mumbo Sauce
A sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly served with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local condiment.
- Vegetarian
Jumbo Slice Pizza
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in nightlife areas of Washington, especially Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable local fast-food tradition.
Old Ebbitt Grill
An established, upscale-casual saloon near the White House known for oysters, crab cakes, and other classic Washington and Mid-Atlantic dishes.
Rasika
Acclaimed Indian restaurant known for refined cooking and a polished dining room. A standout for one of Washington’s most celebrated restaurant experiences.
Le Diplomate
One of Washington’s best-known restaurants, offering classic French bistro fare in an elegant, energetic space that is popular with locals and visitors.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet at Metrorail faregates and on Metrobus; SmarTrip also works across the system.
- Metrorail fares vary by time and distance, while Metrobus has a flat fare; use the official WMATA app for live arrivals and service alerts.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC can start from as little as $164 (€132) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC is $398 (€320) ; 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 Washington, DC is 67h 5m to travel the 2435 miles (3919 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 Washington, DC leaves at 3:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 67h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC for bus company Greyhound.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Washington, DC are:
- The National Mall, a historic and iconic open-area national park featuring monuments and museums
- The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States
- The United States Capitol, the home of the United States Congress and a symbol of the American people and government
- The Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research institutions offering diverse exhibits and educational programs
- The Lincoln Memorial, a monument honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
The best things to do in Washington, DC include:
- Discover the National Gallery of Art, featuring an extensive collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present
- Stroll through Georgetown, a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and vibrant dining scene
- Visit the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, offering a vast collection of books, recordings, and exhibits
- Explore the vibrant Eastern Market, a historic public market offering fresh food, local arts, and crafts
- Enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center, a premier venue for the performing arts, featuring theater, dance, and music.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
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 Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor Washington, DC 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
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 Washington, DC
San Francisco
Washington
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 Washington.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Washington is Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station for your trip to Washington from San Francisco.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Massachusetts Ave NEWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)
information
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and San Francisco, CA
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