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Cheap bus tickets from Detroit to San Francisco

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Detroit to San Francisco Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Detroit to San Francisco?

There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Detroit to San Francisco.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$174.29
Avg. Price
$377.47
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
2d 10h 40m
Duration
2d 14h 19m

Bus from Detroit to San Francisco: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Detroit to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from Detroit to San Francisco usually takes around 58 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 55 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance2087 mi (3359 km)
Shortest duration55h 10m
Cheapest price$170.45
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

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What bus companies travel from Detroit to San Francisco?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Detroit 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.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US22d 10h 36m$408.04
  • 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 Detroit to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Detroit to San Francisco

The bus takes an average of 58 hours and 36 minutes to cover the 2087 miles from Detroit to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 55 hours and 10 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.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus 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 7:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00am. To see the times for all buses from Detroit to San Francisco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Detroit 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 Detroit to San Francisco; ticket prices start at $303.00.

City Information

Detroit

Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.

As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.

The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.

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 Detroit?

Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St - DETGLI-0

Image credit: Dane

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

Located near hip Corktown, the Detroit Greyhound Bus Station is minutes away from local breweries, diverse restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Besides Greyhound, many other bus carriers serve this station, including Indian Trails, Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. For travelers’ convenience, the station offers massive parking lots, clean restrooms, and lockers to rent. The station is a short walk from several local bus stops, and about a 15 minute walk from the closest light rail station to connect to neighborhoods throughout Detroit.

All bus stations in Detroit:

  • Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

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

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 Detroit?

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