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Vancouver to San Francisco, CA USA from $103: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Vancouver, Canada
to
San Francisco, United States

How to Get from Vancouver 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.

$103 - PlaneBest price
1280.6 kmDistance
5h 19m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Vancouver 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
5h  19m
Estimated price
$111-415
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  3m
Estimated price
$103-466
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1280.6 km
Duration: 5h 19m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
24h  15m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
28h  24m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
8h  42m
Estimated price
$109-511
Company
various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
6h  51m
Estimated price
$118-471
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
16h  33m
Estimated price
$210-320
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Traveling From Vancouver to San Francisco

Your journey from Vancouver, with its lush natural beauty and serene landscapes, to San Francisco, known for its iconic hills and vibrant urban culture, offers a delightful contrast that promises a memorable trip.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

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

Mission District
• Known for vibrant murals and street art.
• Offers a wide variety of exciting eateries.
Fisherman's Wharf
• Famous for fresh seafood and bustling piers.
• Home to sea lions at Pier 39.
Chinatown
• One of the oldest and largest in North America.
• Features authentic shops and delicious dim sum.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at San Francisco's popular spots.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early morning offers stunning views and fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Mid-week visits minimize crowds, allowing a more serene experience.
Lombard Street
Visiting on weekdays avoids the weekend rush and traffic.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a mild coastal climate, characterized by cool summers and foggy winters, with September often presenting some of the warmest days. Understanding the weather patterns helps you plan activities and dress appropriately, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

Make sure to try the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman's Wharf, a dish that captures the essence of San Francisco's bustling waterfront atmosphere. This culinary experience contrasts sharply with Vancouver's seafood offerings by emphasizing local ingredients and a hearty, comforting flavor that reflects the city’s vibrant maritime culture.

Vancouver - San Francisco operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
4h 12m
Estimated price
$180-700

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
4h 38m
Estimated price
$190-600
Website
united.com

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 26m
Estimated price
$140-650
Website
aircanada.com

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 26m
Estimated price
$140-650
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$160-470
Website
westjet.com

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 29m
Estimated price
$160-750
Website
delta.com

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 29m
Estimated price
$160-750
Website
flyflair.com

Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 35m
Estimated price
$100-460
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Vancouver to Everett Amtrak Station

Average Duration
3h 19m
Estimated price
$5-85

Train from Seattle to Oakland

Average Duration
23h 4m
Estimated price
$35-280
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
1.800.665.2122
Website
quickcoach.com

Bus from River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond to Bellingham Airport

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$25-35
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Bus from Vancouver to Seattle

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Seattle Bus Station to Sacramento

Average Duration
16h 10m
Estimated price
$60-190

Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$10-45

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

Traveling between Vancouver 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 an unforgettable road trip from Vancouver to vibrant San Francisco spanning a picturesque 1536.9 km journey through stunning landscapes and diverse terrains. 💵 Discover budget-friendly driving options ranging between C$284 to C$432 for a memorable adventure filled with scenic stops, local delicacies, and charming roadside attractions along the way. 🌉 Arrive in San Francisco after a scenic 16-hour drive, where you'll be greeted by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic neighborhoods, and endless possibilities for exploration in the City by the Bay.
Average price
C$291 - C$443
Useful tips for train travellers
• On board your train from Vancouver to San Francisco, you can expect limited catering services depending on the operator. For example, Amtrak typically offers a café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals for purchase. Check for seasonal menus and pre-order options if available, particularly if you have dietary restrictions.
• The main operators on this route include Amtrak (amtrak.com) and VIA Rail Canada (viarail.ca). Amtrak provides different seating options: Business Class, which has larger seats, complementary beverages, and quieter surroundings, and Economy Class, featuring standard seating and access to the café car.
• Upon arrival at the San Francisco station (Embarcadero Station), restrooms are available, and you may find luggage storage facilities nearby for a nominal fee. To navigate the city center quickly, use the Muni Metro Lite Rail lines; the T line is the fastest to the downtown area. Alternatively, consider taking the historic F-Market streetcar for a scenic ride home.
🌍 Flying from Vancouver to San Francisco is a convenient 2 hours and 25 minutes direct flight. The route is serviced by WestJet, Flair Airlines, Air Canada, and other carriers. 🛫 The total travel time between Vancouver and San Francisco by plane is approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes. 💸 Flight prices for the Vancouver to San Francisco route can vary between C$150 and C$561, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Vancouver Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Starting from Vancouver, the bus journey to San Francisco involves multiple transfers and takes approximately 24 hours and 15 minutes. The services are operated by Amtrak and Flixbus USA. 🛣️ The route covers a distance of around 1,662 to 1,786 km, depending on the specific itinerary chosen. Passengers will have to make transfers at locations such as Seattle, Sacramento, and potentially other cities along the way.
Departure Point
Vancouver station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be prepared for your journey to take around 24 hours 15 minutes with two transfers: Vancouver to Seattle on Greyhound, and Seattle to Sacramento, followed by Sacramento to San Francisco, which can make for a long day, so pack snacks, entertainment, and a comfortable travel pillow.
• During your stop in Seattle, the Seattle Bus Station is centrally located; consider taking a short break to explore the local area—Pike Place Market is just a few blocks away and offers numerous dining options.
• When you arrive at the San Francisco Caltrain station, be prepared to navigate towards public transport options; the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is accessible from the nearby Daly City BART station, and it's highly recommended for taking you to downtown San Francisco quickly and affordably.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Vancouver and San Francisco is 1289.1 km by air and 1536.8 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. It takes approximately 5 hours 19 minutes by plane, 16 hours 33 minutes by car, 29 hours 4 minutes by train, and 26 hours 50 minutes by bus to travel from Vancouver to San Francisco.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Vancouver to San Francisco is by train, with prices ranging from C$54 to C$515 and a travel time of approximately 29 hours. If time is a priority, flying is the most time-efficient option, taking only 5 hours and 19 minutes, with prices ranging from C$149 to C$542.
The prices for a train ticket from Vancouver to San Francisco range from C$60 to C$508, depending on the type of ticket and class of service.
To get from Vancouver to San Francisco without using public transportation, your best option would be to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 1536.9 km, and it takes around 16 hours and 33 minutes to complete the journey by car. The prices for a one-way trip by car range from around C$284 to C$434.
The most convenient way to travel from Vancouver to San Francisco without a car is by flying. It takes approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes and the cost ranges from C$149 to C$542. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 26 hours and 50 minutes.
There is no direct train link between Vancouver and San Francisco. The journey by train involves transfers in Seattle and Oakland, taking approximately 29 hours and 4 minutes. Similarly, there is no direct bus connection, and the journey requires transfers in Seattle and Sacramento, taking around 26 hours and 50 minutes. However, there are direct flights available, with a travel time of 5 hours and 19 minutes, and the road distance between the two cities is approximately 1536.8 km, taking about 16 hours and 33 minutes by car.
The flight duration between Vancouver and San Francisco is typically 2 hours and 25 minutes on a direct flight. However, flight prices can vary depending on the specific airline and time of booking. On average, a flight between the two cities can cost anywhere between C$150 and C$535.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels available, travelers can find a variety of options to suit their needs and budget. Prices start at around C$100, offering affordable choices for those on a tighter budget.