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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from San Francisco to Fresno. Traveling by bus from San Francisco to Fresno usually takes around 6 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 5 hours,
| Distance | 162 mi (261 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $16.28 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from San Francisco to Fresno?
$37.55 is the average price of a bus ticket from San Francisco to Fresno. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from San Francisco to Fresno is expected to range from $42 to $53. If you are looking to travel to Fresno within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $42. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $42 and can be found on September 26, 2023.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in October. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $46 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from San Francisco to Fresno in April, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $75 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 8 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$24.05 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from San Francisco to Fresno?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Francisco to Fresno that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 7h 27m | $55.03 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 6h 17m | $46.71 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from San Francisco to Fresno, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 3 bus trips from San Francisco to Fresno every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 17 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Fresno usually start from $16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 25 minutes to cover the 261 kilometers from San Francisco to Fresno. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Fresno at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 4:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Francisco to Fresno, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from San Francisco to Fresno every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Francisco to Fresno; ticket prices start at $40.07.
City Information
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
Fresno
Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.
Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.
Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s San Joaquins line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Francisco?
Main departure station: Salesforce Transit Center
Buses to Fresno leave from 3 stations in San Francisco.
All bus stations in San Francisco:
Salesforce Transit Center
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
700 Beach Street
Where does the bus arrive in Fresno?
Image credit: Ron Reiring
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Mattias Thorslund
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak San Joaquins train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.
Bus stations in Fresno:
Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
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