5.0
Pros: Passengers were really funny and driver was really friendly. Cons: Some passengers made me feel unsafe.
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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Portland to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from Portland to San Francisco usually takes around 19 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 17 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 536 mi (862 km) |
| Shortest duration | 17h 50m |
| Cheapest price | CA$74.51 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for buses from Portland to San Francisco
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
How much is a bus ticket from Portland to San Francisco?
CA$85.43 is the average price of a bus ticket from Portland to San Francisco. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper 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.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Portland to San Francisco is expected to range from CA$77 to CA$174. If you are looking to travel to San Francisco within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from CA$80. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are CA$77 and can be found on 1 May 2024.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just CA$134 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Portland to San Francisco in December, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to CA$174 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 29 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save CA$115.37 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Portland to San Francisco?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Portland to San Francisco. FlixBus US is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 19h 14m | CA$146.47 |
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 2 trips per day from Portland to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 19 hours and 13 minutes to cover the 862 kilometers from Portland to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 17 hours and 50 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.
"Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to San Francisco 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 19:00 and the last bus leaves at 19:00. To see the times for all buses from Portland to San Francisco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Portland to San Francisco. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Portland to San Francisco; ticket prices start at CA$110.43.
City Information
Portland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.
Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.
Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."
As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.
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 Portland?
Main departure station: 7411 NW Station Way
Most buses depart from the main station in Portland.
All bus stations in Portland:
7411 NW Station Way
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
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Need a return trip from San Francisco to Portland?
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