- 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 on Sep 14
$237
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$254
Fastest journey on Sep 14
1 d 21 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
2 d 18 m
Buses on Sep 14
6
Distance
2803 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA will cost around $254 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $237.
It's difficult to get from St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $315 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $315, while a train costs an average of $688.
Distance: 1741 miles (2803 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$315 Average price Cheapest | $688 Average price | $572 Average price | $425 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
46h 39m Average total duration 46h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 62h 55m Average total duration 62h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 33m Average total duration Fastest 6h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 30h 13m 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 St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $257 (€208) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA costing on average $572 (€463).
A bus is $373 (€302) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA costing on average $688 (€557).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 46h 9m.
Train takes on average 62h 25m.
Tickets start at around $315 (€255) compared to roughly $425 (€344) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $110 (€89). The journey takes 46h 9m versus 30h 13m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 50h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $181 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 49h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $181 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 45h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $172 |
The table below shows live departures for St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· + FlixBus | 8:40 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 50h05 | 8:45 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 2 transfers | |
· · | 8:40 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 48h30 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 2 transfers | |
· · | 9:10 AM St. Louis, Lambert International Airport | 48h00 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 9:10 AM St. Louis, Lambert International Airport | 49h35 | 8:45 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 2 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 5:15 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 50h40 | 5:55 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 3 transfers | |
· · | 5:15 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 45h20 | 12:35 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 2 transfers | |
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 St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 46h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $169 (€137) but you can travel from only $169 (€136) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:20, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1741 miles (2803 km) distance in 44h 10m.
Distance 1741 miles (2803 km) |
Average bus duration 46h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $169 (€137) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 44h 10m |
First bus 1:20 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 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 St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO to San Francisco, CA buses use the St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) 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 St. Louis, MO and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center). ATMs are available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center).
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center).
Available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
St. Louis, Lambert International Airport is 19 km from St. Louis city centre. Public transport options include:
St. Louis, Lambert International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options available in terminals.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are aTMs available in terminal areas.
Ticket office support is available at St. Louis, Lambert International Airport.
Available at St. Louis, Lambert International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at St. Louis, Lambert International Airport: Wheelchair accessible facilities 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