- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
9 h 45 m
Average duration
12 h 8 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
608 km
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 $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
Of the 5 buses that leave Santa Ana, CA for San Francisco, CA on Wed, Aug 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 608 km distance in an average of 12 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 14 h 25 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.
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785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6647 AMTRAK

769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 6647 AMTRAK
· 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 $61. 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 $61, and a flight costs an average of $129.
Distance: 377 miles (608 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $211 Average price | $94 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 $36 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $106.
A train is $142 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $211.
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 $-11.42 compared to fuel and tolls ($106 vs $94). 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 07:15PM | Duration 13h14 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:04AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 11h36 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:04PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 11h41 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:25 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 9h45 | 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 6 times per day, taking around 10h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $59 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 35m.
Distance 377 miles (608 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 35m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
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.
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station). ATMs are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Bus access is available.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need