Cheap bus tickets from Washington DC to San Francisco
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Washington DC to San Francisco Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to San Francisco?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington to San Francisco.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 962.20 | Avg. PriceRON 2,675.78 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration2d 21h 19m | Duration3d 7h 7m |
Bus from Washington DC to San Francisco: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to San Francisco usually takes around 70 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 67 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 2435 mi (3919 km) |
| Shortest duration | 67h 40m |
| Cheapest price | RON 893.30 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to San Francisco?
Bus tickets for a trip from Washington DC to San Francisco cost RON 1,030.57 on average. 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. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly avg. prices
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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 2,142.41 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Washington DC to San Francisco?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Washington DC 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 | 2d 22h 3m | RON 2,253.94 |
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 Washington to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Washington DC to San Francisco
The bus takes an average of 70 hours and 2 minutes to cover the 2435 miles from Washington DC to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 67 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in San Francisco. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
The first bus leaves at 9:00am and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Washington DC to San Francisco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to San Francisco, CA; ticket prices start at RON 1,312.91.
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
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 Washington DC?
Main departure station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All bus stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
Where does the bus arrive in San Francisco?
Main arrival station: Salesforce Transit Center
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in San Francisco.
All bus stations in San Francisco:
Salesforce Transit Center
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from San Francisco to Washington DC?
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