- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.


Cheapest price
$167
Average price
$168
Fastest journey
9h 35m
Average duration
12h 30m
Buses per day
2
Distance
119 km
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 $64. 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 $64, and a flight costs an average of $155.
Distance: 377 miles (608 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $68 Average price Cheapest | $341 Average price | $91 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $34 (€28) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $102 (€84).
A train is $273 (€225) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $341 (€281).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 38m.
Train takes on average 11h 12m.
You'll arrive about -4h -58m sooner (10h 38m by bus vs 6h 40m by car) and save roughly $-11.30 (€-9.29) compared to fuel and tolls ($102 (€84) vs $91 (€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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:01AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 13h19 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:04AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 11h36 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:04PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 11h41 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $122 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 7:40 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 15h25 | 11:05 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:35 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 9h35 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 $51 (€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.
Distance 377 miles (608 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€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 |
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotels: USD 2-5 for porters, USD 3-5 daily for housekeeping.
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.

Most Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 station pair, with some services arriving at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and San Francisco, CA 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