- 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
$202
Average price
$336
Fastest journey
2 d 21 h 50 m
Average duration
3 d 1 h 40 m
Buses per day
4
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 $336 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $202.
Of the 4 buses that leave Washington, DC for San Francisco, CA on Wed, Aug 26, 4 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 3919 km distance in an average of 3 d 1 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 21 h 50 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 3 d 12 h 5 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.








Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $134. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $134, and a train costs an average of $260.
Distance: 2435 miles (3919 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$246 Average price Cheapest | $285 Average price | $891 Average price | $664 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
68h 57m Average total duration 68h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 29m Average total duration Fastest 6h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 73h 44m Average total duration 73h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $39 (€31) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA costing on average $285 (€229).
A bus is $645 (€520) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA costing on average $891 (€718).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 68h 27m.
Train takes on average 73h 14m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 84h05 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $251 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 84h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 71h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $244 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 68h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $219 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 70h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $202 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 71h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 68h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $178 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 69h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 68h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $207 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 69h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $294 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 85h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 69h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $341 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 83h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $292 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 10:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 71h15 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 5 transfers | |
· · · | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 69h45 | 12:35 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 84h35 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 4 transfers | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
![]() | 2:10 AM Washington, DC | 84h05 | 2:15 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 68h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $134 (€108) 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 68h 40m.
Distance 2435 miles (3919 km) |
Average bus duration 68h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 (€108) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 68h 40m |
First bus 5:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 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 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.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) is 1 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). ATMs are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Ticket office support is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Sidewalks and crosswalks are wheelchair accessible.
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