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Seattle, WA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $40: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Seattle, United States
to
San Francisco, United States

How to Get from Seattle to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$40 by trainBest price
1307 kmDistance
4h 12m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Seattle to San Francisco with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  12m
Estimated price
$81-314
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
23h  39m
Estimated price
$40-276
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1307 km
Duration: 4h 12m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Subway
Average Duration
5h  43m
Estimated price
$70-810
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  17m
Estimated price
$73-315
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  29m
Estimated price
$123-449
Company
Flixbus USA
Bus
Average Duration
19h  25m
Estimated price
$811-812
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
13h  52m
Estimated price
$813-814
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Traveling From Seattle to San Francisco

Your journey from the lush green landscapes of Seattle to the iconic hills and vibrant culture of San Francisco offers a striking contrast between the Pacific Northwest's serene atmosphere and California's bustling, diverse energy.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and vibes.

Mission District
• Renowned for vibrant street art and murals.
• A culinary haven with diverse dining options.
Chinatown
• One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America.
• Rich in culture with unique shops and markets.
Haight-Ashbury
• Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement.
• Eclectic boutiques and vintage shops line the streets.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your San Francisco experience.

Golden Gate Bridge
Visit early mornings or late afternoons for stunning views and fewer crowds.
Alcatraz Island
Book tours for weekdays; mornings tend to be less busy.
Fisherman's Wharf
Explore during weekdays and early mornings to enjoy local attractions without the rush.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco features a mild climate, often marked by cool fog and breezy afternoons, with summer being the warmest season and winter bringing occasional rain. Understanding the weather patterns helps you plan your visit effectively and enjoy all the city's outdoor attractions.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Try the cioppino at Sotto Mare, a hearty seafood stew reflecting the city's Italian heritage and vibrant waterfront. This dish, rich in flavors from the surrounding ocean, offers a different culinary adventure compared to Seattle's emphasis on fresh, lighter seafood preparations.

Seattle - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Seattle and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$70-819

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 8m
Estimated price
$3140-819

Plane from Everett (PAE) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
$3141-3142
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$3145-3146

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 7m
Estimated price
$3147-3148
Website
delta.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 14m
Estimated price
$3149-400

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$3147-401
Website
united.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 17m
Estimated price
$3141-402
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Seattle to Oakland

Average Duration
23h 4m
Estimated price
$405-815
Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Seattle Bus Station to Sacramento

Average Duration
16h 10m
Estimated price
$4030-409

Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$404-2760
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Other from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$403-404

Seattle to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Seattle and San Francisco offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Seattle to San Francisco covering a distance of 812 miles. The journey promises stunning views of the Pacific Coastline and diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 Indulge in budget-friendly travel options with car prices ranging from $140 to $220 for the Seattle to San Francisco route. Enjoy the flexibility of a road trip while exploring charming towns and cities en route to your destination. ⏱️ Spend approximately 13 hours and 52 minutes on the road, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the West Coast. From lush forests to coastal cliffs, the drive offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Average price
$140 - $220
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Seattle to San Francisco, although there is no direct route available. The trip, with transfers included, spans approximately 23 hours and 39 minutes, offering a unique travel experience through the beautiful West Coast landscape. 🌉 The route presents an adventure covering 917 miles, with two transfers along the way. Begin your journey on the Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Sacramento, followed by the Capitol Corridor train to Oakland. Finally, hop on the subway towards San Francisco, reaching your destination in a total travel time of 23 hours and 19 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for this train ride from Seattle to San Francisco range from $40 to $276, offering a budget-friendly option to explore the diverse scenery and vibrant culture of both cities. Enjoy the convenience of rail travel and the opportunity to witness the changing landscapes as you make your way from the Pacific Northwest to the Bay Area in California.
Departure Point
Seattle station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Check for the catering services available on board your train. Amtrak, the primary operator for this route, provides a dining car where you can enjoy meals and snacks. Meal options include breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on regional ingredients. If you're traveling on the Amtrak Coast Starlight, look for their 'Pacific Business Class' menu that features a premium dining experience.
• For seating options, Amtrak offers several classes. The Coast Starlight has First Class (also known as Sleeping Car accommodations), Business Class, and Coach Class (Economy). First Class provides private rooms and a more luxurious experience, while Business Class features spacious, reclining seats with complimentary beverages. Coach Class offers the most economical fares with standard seating, so choose based on your budget and comfort preference.
• Amtrak is the main operator for this route, and you might also find Spirit Airlines (if considering flight alternatives) and Greyhound (for connecting bus services). Visit Amtrak for train schedules and booking, and Greyhound for any bus connections you may need. For local transport in San Francisco, check SFMTA for information on buses and trams.
🛫 Experience a convenient and efficient journey from Seattle to San Francisco by taking a direct flight lasting just 2 hours and 9 minutes with airlines such as Delta, United Airlines, or Alaska Airlines, Inc. ✈️ Enjoy a relatively short travel time of 4 hours and 12 minutes to reach the vibrant city of San Francisco from Seattle, making it a quick and hassle-free option for your trip. 💸 With flight prices ranging from $81 to $314, you can choose a fare that suits your budget and embark on a seamless air travel experience from the Pacific Northwest to the Bay Area.
Departure Point
Seattle Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The journey from Seattle to San Francisco by bus involves a transfer in Sacramento and takes approximately 19 hours and 25 minutes. 🌉 Route 1: The total distance covered is 857 miles and it takes a day and 6 hours to reach San Francisco. The first step includes a bus towards Los Angeles departing from Seattle and arriving at the Sacramento Greyhound bus station.
Departure Point
Seattle Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Seattle to San Francisco.

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The distance between Seattle and San Francisco is approximately 1099.2 km or 1306.8 km by road. Traveling by train, it takes around 23 hours and 39 minutes to reach San Francisco from Seattle. By plane, the travel time is about 4 hours and 6 minutes. If driving by car, it takes approximately 13 hours and 52 minutes to reach Seattle from San Francisco. Lastly, by bus, the travel time is around 22 hours.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Seattle to San Francisco is by train, with prices ranging from $40 to $280. However, this option takes the longest, with a travel time of 23 hours and 39 minutes. If you're looking for a quicker option, flying is the most time-efficient choice, taking only 4 hours and 6 minutes. The cost to fly ranges from $75 to $330.
The cost of traveling from Seattle to San Francisco can vary depending on the mode of transportation. For trains, the prices range from $40 to $276. If you prefer taking a bus, prices can vary from $95 to $213.
To travel from Seattle to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance is approximately 1306.8 km and it takes about 13 hours and 52 minutes to complete the journey. The cost of a car rental can vary between $140 and $220, depending on the rental company and vehicle choice.
The best way to travel from Seattle to San Francisco without a car is by taking a bus. It takes approximately 22 hours and costs between $95 and $220. Another option is to fly, which takes 4 hours and 6 minutes and costs between $75 and $330. Alternatively, you could also take a train, which takes about 23 hours and 39 minutes and costs between $40 and $280.
Yes, there is a direct link between Seattle and San Francisco but it is not available for all modes of transportation. There is a direct train service operated by Amtrak that takes approximately 23 hours and 39 minutes. However, there is no direct bus service, and the journey takes around 22 hours with transfers.
The flight duration between Seattle and San Francisco typically takes around 2 hours and 3 minutes on a direct flight. However, this time may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and the specific airline. As for the cost, flight prices for this route can range from $76 to $324, depending on factors such as the booking time, airline, and class of service chosen.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget. Prices start at $74, and you can find a range of accommodations including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly options. Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of the city or near popular attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge or Fisherman's Wharf, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.