Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco to Irvine
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Irvine?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Francisco to Irvine.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€48.44 | Avg. Price€60.70 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration14h 58m | Duration12h 33m |
Bus from San Francisco to Irvine: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from San Francisco to Irvine. Traveling by bus from San Francisco to Irvine usually takes around 15 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 384 mi (617 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 50m |
| Cheapest price | €36.12 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from San Francisco to Irvine?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Francisco to Irvine cost €43.93 on average. Tickets cheaper than €43.93 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from San Francisco to Irvine by month
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 27 days in advance to save €46.45 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from San Francisco to Irvine?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Francisco to Irvine that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 13h 22m | €76.19 |
| Greyhound | 1 | 16h 55m | €58.95 |
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 San Francisco to Irvine, 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 1 bus trips from San Francisco to Irvine every day, with the average journey taking around 16 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Irvine usually start from €36.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Francisco to Irvine
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 384 miles from San Francisco to Irvine. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 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.
Because many passengers travel from San Francisco to Irvine at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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 4:00pm and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Francisco to Irvine, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from San Francisco to Irvine 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 San Francisco to Irvine; ticket prices start at €52.92.
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.
Irvine
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.
When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!
It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Francisco?
Main departure station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
San Francisco has two bus stations with service to Irvine.
All bus stations in San Francisco:
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
Salesforce Transit Center
Where does the bus arrive in Irvine?
Main arrival station: University of CA - Crawford Hall
All buses from San Francisco arrive at one main station in Irvine.
All bus stations in Irvine:
University of CA - Crawford Hall
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