The cheapest and fastest buses from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$283
Average price
$291
Fastest journey
2 d 21 h 55 m
Average duration
3 d 50 m
Buses per day
3
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 $291 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $283.
Of the 3 buses that leave Washington, DC for San Francisco, CA on Fri, Nov 28, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 28 the direct buses cover the 3919 km distance in an average of 3 d 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 21 h 55 m .
On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest buses will take 3 d 5 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.






Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA
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 €100. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €100, and a train costs an average of €172.
Distance: 2435 miles (3919 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
€208 Average price Cheapest | €261 Average price | €429 Average price |
72h 33m Average total duration 72h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 32m Average total duration Fastest 6h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 73h 44m Average total duration 73h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 PM Washington, DC | 71h10 | 1:40 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 PM Washington, DC | 69h55 | 7:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA
Buses from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 72h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $124 (€100) 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 69h 40m.
Distance 2435 miles (3919 km) |
Average bus duration 72h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 (€100) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 69h 40m |
First bus 05:00 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: Greyhound from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound for as low as $124 (€100). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA
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.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA
- 05:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to San Francisco, CA
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