- 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 Oct 10
€165
Average ticket price on Oct 10
€181
Fastest journey on Oct 10
2 d 20 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
3 d 1 h 26 m
Buses on Oct 10
6
Distance
3919 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA will cost around €181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €165.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
· · ·
· · ·
· · ·
FlixBus+
· ·
FlixBus+
· ·
FlixBus+
· ·
· · ·
FlixBus+
· ·
· · ·
FlixBus+
· · Buses from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 66h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €130 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 2435 miles (3919 km) distance in 63h 5m.
Distance 2435 miles (3919 km) |
Average bus duration 66h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price €130 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 63h 5m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 71h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 68h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 69h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 84h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 83h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €172 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · · | 1:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 68h40 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 70h15 | 8:45 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 69h45 | 12:35 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 75h05 | 5:55 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 10:10 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 85h35 | 8:45 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 83h25 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 5 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union 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 Washington, DC and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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