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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Boston to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from Boston to San Francisco usually takes around 86 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 83 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 2693 mi (4334 km) |
| Shortest duration | 83h 15m |
| Cheapest price | US$133.45 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Boston to San Francisco?
US$161.78 is the average price of a bus ticket from Boston to San Francisco. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good alternative to flying. 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.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 24 days in advance to save up to US$295.66.
What bus companies travel from Boston to San Francisco?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Boston to San Francisco. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 3d 14h 34m | US$389.47 |
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 3 trips per day from Boston to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 86 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 4334 kilometers from Boston to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 83 hours and 15 minutes. 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.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
The first bus leaves at 11:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Boston to San Francisco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Boston to San Francisco every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Boston to San Francisco; ticket prices start at US$220.00.
City Information
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):
Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.
From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Boston?
Main departure station: 748 Atlantic Avenue - Alongside South Station Bus Terminal
Most buses depart from the main station in Boston.
All bus stations in Boston:
748 Atlantic Avenue - Alongside South Station Bus Terminal
Where does the bus arrive in San Francisco?
Main arrival station: Salesforce Transit Center
Buses arrive in San Francisco at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in San Francisco:
Salesforce Transit Center
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
700 Beach Street
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from San Francisco to Boston?
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More buses from Boston
- Boston to Toronto
US$113+
- Boston to Montreal Bus
US$72+
- Bus from Boston to Hartford
US$22+
- Boston to New Haven Bus
US$30+
- Boston to Washington D.C.
US$62+
- Boston to Amherst
US$41+
- Bus from Boston to Barnstable
US$24+
- Bus from Boston to Springfield
US$17+
- Boston to Portland Bus
US$24+
- Boston to Newark
US$37+
Continue by bus from San Francisco
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