- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and a striking SoMa building.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for May 29
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
11 h 10 m
Average duration
11 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
608 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Santa Ana, CA for San Francisco, CA on Fri, May 29, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 608 km distance in an average of 11 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 10 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 11 h 36 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.
2:30 AM11h10Santa Ana, CA1:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$521One-way0 transfers
6:04 PM11h36Santa Ana, CA5:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$631One-way0 transfers- 5:04 PM11h36Santa Ana, CA4:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$661One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 AM11h10Santa Ana, CA1:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$521One-way0 transfers
- 6:04 PM11h36Santa Ana, CA5:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$631One-way0 transfers
- 5:04 PM11h36Santa Ana, CA4:40 AMSan Francisco, CA$661One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $158.
Distance: 377 miles (608 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$104 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $348 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 42m Average total duration 11h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company | Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA is a train with an average price of $69 (€56).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $35 (€28) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $104 (€84).
A train is $279 (€225) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $348 (€281).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 30m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 38m.
Train takes on average 11h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Ana, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -4h -58m sooner (10h 38m by bus vs 6h 40m by car) and save roughly $-11.51 (€-9.29) compared to fuel and tolls ($104 (€84) vs $93 (€75)). 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 Greyhound.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:01AM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 13h14 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:04AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 11h36 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:01PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 13h19 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:04PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 11h36 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:04PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 11h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $111 |
Live departures
Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · | 9:05 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 13h00 | 10:05 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA.
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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 10h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $52 (€42) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 377 miles (608 km) distance in 9h 55m.
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 377 miles (608 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€42) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound for as low as $52 (€42). 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
9h 55m
Cheapest Price
$125 (€101)
Greyhound frequency
2 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 San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Hands-on science and perception museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Large natural history and science museum with aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome in Golden Gate Park.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Expansive urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, trails, and some of the city's best walking and cycling space.
- Must visit
Chinatown
One of North America's oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns, packed with temples, gates, markets, and side streets.
- Must visit
Lands End
Dramatic coastal walking area with cliffs, cypress-lined trails, Golden Gate views, and Sutro Baths ruins nearby.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian immigrant fishermen in San Francisco. It typically includes crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, and is one of the city’s signature dishes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy sourdough, shaped by local wild yeast cultures. It is a historic staple often served as a loaf, toast, or bread bowl.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, packed with rice, beans, meat or other fillings, salsa, and extras. It is one of the city’s most influential casual foods.
La Taqueria
A Mission District institution celebrated for outstanding Mission-style burritos and tacos. Lively, casual, and widely regarded as one of the city’s essential eats.
Swan Oyster Depot
A legendary seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and seafood cocktails. Casual, iconic, and one of the city’s best-known classic stops.
The House
A popular restaurant serving Asian fusion dishes with bold flavors in a cozy setting. Well known for garlic noodles and seafood-focused plates.
United States Dollar
San Francisco is one of the priciest U.S. cities. Hotels, dining, and parking are costly, though casual food options exist.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Not expected at fast food.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $52 (€42) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA is $104 (€84) ; 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA is 9h 55m to travel the 377 miles (608 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Ana, CA and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Santa Ana, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Ana, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company Greyhound.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither Santa Ana, CA nor San Francisco, CA 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA
Santa Ana
San Francisco
The major bus station for departures in Santa Ana is Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) for your trip from Santa Ana to San Francisco.
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)
information
The major bus station for arrivals 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 to San Francisco from Santa Ana.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
Most popular bus connections from Santa Ana, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Santa Ana, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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