San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus

10/03/2024
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San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus

The journey from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus is 459.01 mi and takes 14 hr 34 min. There are 18 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:01 AM and the last at 9:25 PM. It is possible to travel from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus for as little as $50.34 or as much as $65.52. The best price for this journey is $50.34.

Lowest Price$50.34
Journey Duration14 hr 34 min
Connection per Day18
Lowest Price$50.34
Highest Price$65.52
First Departure6:01 AM
Last Departure9:25 PM
Distance459.01 mi
DepartureSan Diego, CA
ArrivalSan Francisco, CA
CarriersGreyhound, Amtrak

San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Times

Departure date
Thursday, Oct 3, 2024

Use Virail to find the best way to travel from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA

What's the best way to get from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA? If you're not sure, don't worry - Virail can help you. The only thing you have to do is enter your planned travel dates, and let Virail's powerful search tool deal with the rest. We'll look at the routes offered by our trusted travel partners to give you all your available options. Whether you want to travel by plane, train, bus, carpool, or something else, we'll find your ideal solution. You can filter your results according to price, departure or arrival time, journey duration, number of connections, one-way or round trip - anything you want. Virail will give you a full, clear picture of how to get from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA, then transfer you to your chosen provider's website to complete your booking.

How can I get the cheapest bus tickets to travel from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?

Prices will vary when you travel from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA. On average, though, you'll pay about $57.08 for a bus ticket. You can find bus tickets for prices as low as $50.34, but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper bus tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest bus tickets.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
On average, you can expect to spend around $57.08 for your bus ticket. Virail will help you find a journey that fits your budget. You can expect prices to vary between different travel providers and methods of transport; often, faster journeys will cost more than slower routes. If your travel dates are flexible, you might be able to find cheaper bus tickets, as prices may fluctuate a little from day to day. You may also find lower prices by booking at certain times of day, avoiding rush hour traffic. Another tip for travelers on a tight budget is to look for connecting journeys. Sometimes it can be cheaper to make a change or two along the way, rather than traveling on a direct route from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.

How long is the journey from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus?

With a distance of 459.01 mi between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA, it will usually take 14 hr 34 min to complete the journey. This average figure may vary from day to day. Delays could be caused by unexpected weather conditions, roadworks or construction, local events, or other unforeseen circumstances. Remember that your journey may take longer than 14 hr 34 min. Make your plans with this in mind to avoid disappointment, particularly if you are traveling on a tight schedule. The journey between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA runs for about 459.01 mi and usually takes approximately 14 hr 34 min. However, this figure is an average and will vary according to a number of factors. Depending on the method of transport that you choose, you might be able to arrive in less time. The shortest time in which you can complete this journey is 10 hr 25 min. If you are trying to get from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA as quickly as possible, look for express routes or non-stopping services. Direct routes are not always the fastest way to travel. At times, you may even find a quicker route that involves a connection in another city.

What time are the first and last departures from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?

The first daily departure from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:01 AM, while the last journey of the day sets out at 9:25 PM. These are according to the standard schedules for the route between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA. However, different providers' timetables can vary from day to day or month to month, so these particular departures may not be available every day. Some providers may change their schedules on public holidays and weekends, or during the summer months. Check your travel dates when making your booking. The first journey of the night departs from San Diego, CA at 6:01 AM. If you prefer to travel later in that night, the last departure will leave at 9:25 PM. Remember, these are the general times of journeys between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA. However, they are somewhat changeable as they may be affected by local events or holidays, peak seasons, or other factors. Always check your travel dates in advance to be on the safe side.

How many journeys from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA are there every day?

On average, there are 18 daily departures from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 3 departures from San Diego, CA which travel directly to San Francisco, CA. There are 15 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

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Compare prices and tickets from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA

Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA

The cheapest San Diego, CA - San Francisco, CA bus tickets can be found for as low as $52.23 if you’re lucky, or $70.12 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $96.82.

Find the best day to travel to San Francisco, CA by bus

When travelling to San Francisco, CA by bus, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Amtrak, formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is a U.S. government-owned entity that delivers intercity passenger train services across the country. Operating over 300 trains daily, Amtrak connects more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces. Its services include a variety of routes, from short-distance commuter lines to extended journeys featuring sleeper car accommodations.

Greyhound is a bus company that provides intercity transportation services across North America. Founded in 1914, it is the largest provider of intercity bus transportation in the United States and Canada, serving over 3,800 destinations. Greyhound operates on popular routes such as New York to Boston, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and Boston to New York.

Ticket types and facilities from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA

Compare the different ticket types and the facilities provided by Amtrak when traveling from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA.

Coach

Coach Class passengers enjoy reclining seats with plenty of legroom and fold-down tray tables, along with outlets for electronic devices. They also have access to the Cafe car for food and beverages, along with carry-on baggage service and, on some routes, checked baggage service.
wifi WiFi
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

First Class

On Acela trains, First Class passengers enjoy all the benefits of Business Class with further enhancements. The seats are adjustable leather with extra space for comfort. There is also a complimentary meal service delivered directly to the passengers' seats. First Class travelers have access to ClubAcela lounges at select stations.
wifi WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Business

Stepping up to Business Class, passengers receive all the amenities of Coach Class plus additional legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. They also gain access to lounges at select stations for a more relaxed wait before boarding.
wifi WiFi
quiet_zone Quiet zone
power_sockets Power sockets
luggage Luggage
accessibility Accessibility
food_and_drink Food and drink
air_con Air conditioning
bicycle Bicycle

Facility Description

Find out more about the different facilities available onboard with each carrier on this route.

wifi WiFi open icon close icon
Free basic WiFi available in select trains and stations. Some include Acela, Adirondack (not available in Canada), Amtrak Cascades (not available in Canada), Amtrak Hartford Line, Auto Train, Blue Water, Capitol Corridor, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan, Allen Express, Hiawatha Service, Illini/Saluki, and Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg
quiet_zone Quiet zone open icon close icon
Quiet Cars, designed for limited conversation and subdued tones, are available on various trains like Acela, Northeast Regional, and more. The atmosphere is calm with low lighting. Seating follows first-come, first-served and one seat per person policies. First Class Rooms: For those seeking privacy and space, First Class private rooms are an available option.
power_sockets Power sockets open icon close icon
Electric outlets are distributed on trains. For example, Superliner and Viewliner sleepers provide outlets in Roomettes and Bedrooms.
air_con Air conditioning open icon close icon
All trains are air-conditioned. In coaches, temperature is staff-controlled. Sleeper cars offer air temperature adjustments, with vent positioning recommended for comfort.
luggage Luggage open icon close icon
On Amtrak, regardless of your ticket type, you can typically bring two carry-on bags and two personal items. Just make sure your carry-ons are within 28 x 22 x 14 inches and under 50 lbs. Some locations even allow up to four checked bags: two come free, and two for $20 each, but they should stay under 75 linear inches and 50 lbs. You can also check in overweight luggage, up to 70 lbs and 100 linear inches, for an additional $20 fee.
accessibility Accessibility open icon close icon
All trains accommodate passengers with disabilities. Features include accessible seats with extra room and areas where passengers can remain in their wheelchairs.
food_and_drink Food and drink open icon close icon
Trains offer various dining options, from meals to café services. Meal service is available for passengers with disabilities. Guidelines are present for personal food, beverages, and medication. Nutritional and allergen information provided for menu items.
bicycle Bicycle open icon close icon
Amtrak accommodates various types of special equipment with certain conditions. Bicycles are allowed on many routes, often requiring a reservation and small fee. Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are accepted on all trains, with specific accessible seating and bedrooms available. Small musical instruments can be carried on if they fit under the seat or overhead rack, while larger ones must meet carry-on restrictions or be checked. Some sports equipment, like skis or golf clubs, can be carried on or checked depending on size.
Services on board Greyhound, Amtrak and FlixBus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA
Compare services on board when travelling from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus.
Facilities Greyhound Amtrak FlixBus
wifi WiFi check check check
power_sockets Power sockets check check check
luggage Luggage check check check
air_con Air conditioning check check check
quiet_zone Quiet zone cross check cross
accessibility Accessibility cross check check
food_and_drink Food and drink cross check check
bicycle Bicycle cross check check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper cross check cross

San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA CO2 Emissions by Bus

Ecology
Train
51.71kg
Bus
55.4kg
Flight
147.74kg
Car
118.19kg

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?
A bus ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is $57.08. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $50.34.
What's the cheapest bus ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is $50.34. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA by bus?
San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is 459.01 mi.
How long does the bus between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA take?
San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is on average 14 hr 34 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 10 hr 25 min.
Which companies operate from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?
The bus journey from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA is covered by 2 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Greyhound, Amtrak and FlixBus.
How many bus connections per day go from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?
San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA has 18 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA leave?
The earliest bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA departs at 6:01 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA depart?
The latest bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA departs at 9:25 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest bus ticket we have found is $50.34 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?
There are on average 3 direct connection(s) from San Diego, CA to go to San Francisco, CA.
What's the fastest journey time between San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus?
The fastest journey time by bus between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA is 10 hr 25 min.
Is there a direct bus from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA?
Yes, there is a direct bus between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA.
What are the CO2 emissions for San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus?
The bus journey from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA creates 55.4kg of CO2 emissions.

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