- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
€132
Average ticket price on Aug 29
€252
Fastest journey on Aug 29
2 d 19 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
2 d 22 h 33 m
Buses on Aug 29
5
Distance
3919 km
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 €252 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €132.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 5 buses from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC, including 5 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct buses cover the 3919 km distance in an average of 2 d 22 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 19 h 5 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest buses will take 3 d 2 h 55 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 Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €162 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €162, while a train costs an average of €607.
Distance: 2435 miles (3919 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
€162 Average price Cheapest | €225 Average price | €607 Average price |
69h 39m Average total duration 69h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 42m Average total duration Fastest 5h 42m Onboard + 2h 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC:
A bus is €63 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC costing on average €225.
A bus is €446 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC costing on average €607.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 69h 9m.
Train takes on average 71h 15m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 93h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €366 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 96h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €281 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 75h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €327 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 72h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €435 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 75h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €284 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 67h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €371 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 72h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €321 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 72h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €553 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 71h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €362 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 71h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €361 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 70h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €132 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 67h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €140 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 67h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €251 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 96h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €350 |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC buses for today, Friday, August 28. 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 | 72h50 | 10:20 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 1:10 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 81h25 | 1:35 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 1:10 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 67h25 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 76h05 | 5:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 96h05 | 1:35 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 4 transfers | |
![]() | 6:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 74h55 | 9:35 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Washington, DC run on average 8 times per day, taking around 69h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €94 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.
Distance 2435 miles (3919 km) |
Average bus duration 69h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price €94 |
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 14 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
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.

Most San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) is 1 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). ATMs are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Ticket office support is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Sidewalks and crosswalks are wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need