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Tampa to San Francisco bus

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Tampa - San Francisco Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Tampa to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from Tampa to San Francisco usually takes around 78 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 74 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance2397 mi (3857 km)
Shortest duration74h 15m
Cheapest price€159.13
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

What bus companies travel from Tampa to San Francisco?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Tampa to San Francisco. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US83d 6h 38m€342.26
  • 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 8 trips per day from Tampa to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 78 hours and 38 minutes to cover the 2397 miles from Tampa to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 74 hours and 15 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Tampa to San Francisco for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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 1:00pm and the last bus leaves at 4:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Tampa to San Francisco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Tampa to San Francisco 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 Tampa to San Francisco; ticket prices start at €291.20.

City Information

Tampa

Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.

Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.

The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

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 Tampa?

Main departure station: USF - Theatre Ctr - 3801 USF Holly Drive

Tampa has two bus stations with service to San Francisco.

All bus stations in Tampa:

  • USF - Theatre Ctr - 3801 USF Holly Drive

  • Tampa Bus Station

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.

All bus stations in San Francisco:

  • Salesforce Transit Center

  • Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

  • 700 Beach Street

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Francisco by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from San Francisco to Tampa?

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