Cheap coach tickets from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Coach from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity coaches per day from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC. Travelling by coach from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC usually takes around 3 days, 5 hours and 41 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 2 days, 22 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 2435 mi (3919 km)
- Shortest duration
- 70h 40m
- Cheapest price
- US$157.44
- Trips per day
- 4
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 1
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San Francisco, CA to Washington DC Coach Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC?
There is usually 1 daily train trip from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC.
Coach | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$261.57Cheaper | Avg. PriceUS$452.68 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration77h 41m | Duration76h 39mFaster |

There are several coach options that can take you from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC?
Coach tickets for a trip from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC cost about US$163 when you book at the cheapest time, 16 days ahead. Coach tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the coach is often more affordable than flying to Washington DC. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.
Average coach ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$139 to US$301. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 4 December 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Washington DC this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$164.
Average coach ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC by month
Taking the coach from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only US$282. If you're planning to take the coach from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$477. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest coach tickets, book your trip at least 16 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$230.10 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC?
There is one intercity coach company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC. FlixBus US connects the two cities by coach, it offers multiple scheduled coaches per day for you to choose from.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 77h 41m | US$261.57 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German coach company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern coach travel. The company offers cheap coach tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US coaches include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 4 trips per day from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$261.57.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC
There are 4 scheduled coaches that travel from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC; ticket prices start at US$339.
Trips per day
4
Direct trips
0
The coach takes an average of 3 days, 5 hours and 41 minutes to cover the 2,435 miles from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC. However, the fastest coach only takes 2 days, 22 hours and 40 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
2435
Distance (km)
3919
The first coach leaves at 1:05 and the last coach leaves at 18:05. To see the times for all coaches from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
1:05am
Latest coach
6:05pm
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when coaches 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, Saturday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Tuesday
Least crowded
Saturday
City Information
San Francisco



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 holiday 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 travelling by coach, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
Washington DC



Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in San Francisco, CA?
Main departure station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
Most coaches depart from the main station in San Francisco, CA.
All coach stations in San Francisco, CA:
- Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
Where does the coach arrive in Washington DC?
Main arrival station: Union Station
These are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in Washington DC.
Coach stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
- Dupont Cir CT Ave
Need a return trip from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA?
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