Cheap bus tickets from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA
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Bus from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA usually takes around 3 days, 2 hours, and 9 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 days, 20 hours, and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 2435 mi (3919 km)
- Shortest duration
- 68h 40m
- Cheapest price
- RON 747.30
- Trips per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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Washington DC to San Francisco, CA Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA?
Bus tickets for a trip from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA cost about RON 769 when you book at the cheapest time, 10 days ahead. Bus 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 bus is often more affordable than flying to San Francisco, CA. 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 Washington DC to San Francisco, CA by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from RON 819 to RON 1,466. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 15, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to San Francisco, CA this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 987.
Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA by month
Taking the bus from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA is usually cheapest in April, when the average ticket price is only RON 1,078. If you're planning to take the bus from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA during June, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 2,871. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 10 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 1,564.70 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA. 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 | 74h 9m | RON 1,517.88 |
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 Washington DC to San Francisco, CA, and the average ticket for this route costs only RON 1,517.88.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA 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 Washington DC to San Francisco, CA; ticket prices start at RON 1,826.
Trips per day
3
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 3 days, 2 hours, and 9 minutes to cover the 2,435 miles from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 days, 20 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 bus 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 bus leaves at 5:45 AM and the last bus leaves at 10:45 PM. To see the times for all buses from Washington DC to San Francisco, CA, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
5:45am
Latest bus
10:45pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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.
Most crowded
Thursday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
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 neighborhood 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 transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
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 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 Washington DC?
Main departure station: Union Station
Most buses depart from the main station in Washington DC.
All bus stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
Where does the bus arrive in San Francisco, CA?
Main arrival station: Salesforce Transit Center
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in San Francisco, CA.
All bus stations in San Francisco, CA:
- Salesforce Transit Center
- Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
Need a return trip from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC?
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