Fresno, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $12: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Fresno to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$12 by trainBest price
262 kmDistance
1h 44m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Fresno 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.
Fresno - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Fresno and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
https://www.united.com
Plane from Fresno (FAT) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 44mEstimated price
$144-439Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Fresno to Civic Center / UN Plaza (via Richmond)
Average Duration
4h 37mEstimated price
$12-106Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com
Bus from Fresno Bus Station to San Francisco Bus Station
Average Duration
4h 55mEstimated price
$20-60Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553Website
http://tufesainternacional.com
Bus from Fresno, CA to Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose (via Nogales)
Average Duration
3h 5mEstimated price
$30-1440Other from Fresno to San Francisco
Average Duration
3h 14mEstimated price
$30-1440Fresno to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Fresno 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 scenic 187-mile road trip from Fresno to San Francisco, showcasing the diverse landscapes of California's Central Valley and Bay Area.
💸 Depending on gas prices and vehicle efficiency, budget around $30 to $50 for this journey, offering an affordable and flexible travel option for adventurers.
🌉 Arrive in San Francisco after approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes of driving, ready to explore the iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural experiences that the city by the bay has to offer.
Average price
$30 - $50
🚆 Traveling by train from Fresno to San Francisco involves a transfer in Richmond, making the journey approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes long. The train services are operated by Amtrak, and the prices can range from $12 to $106 for this route.
📍 The route covers a distance of 212 miles and includes a step to take a train towards Oakland, departing from Fresno and arriving at Richmond. The second step involves a subway towards SFO Airport, departing from Richmond and arriving at Montgomery St. The agencies for the trains are Amtrak and Bay Area Rapid Transit.
Departure Point
Fresno station
Arrival Point
Richmond station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on Amtrak's San Joaquins route include a café car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Be sure to check out their seasonal offerings and daily specials, as they often feature local favorites.
• Amtrak offers several seating options on the San Joaquins. You can choose from Coach Class for the most budget-friendly option, Business Class which provides extra legroom and complimentary beverage service, or First Class for the ultimate comfort with wider seats and exclusive amenities.
• When traveling from Fresno to San Francisco, you may consider different operators, including Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Greyhound (greyhound.com). Both have various schedules, so check their websites to find the best time for your journey.
🛫 Flying from Fresno to San Francisco is a quick and convenient option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 5 minutes via United Airlines.
🌉 Upon landing at San Francisco Airport, you can expect a total travel time of approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes from Fresno, making it a relatively short journey.
💸 Depending on the airline and time of booking, the cost of a flight between San Francisco and Fresno can range from $144 to $439, providing options for different budget preferences.
Departure Point
Fresno Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Traveling from Fresno to San Francisco by bus is a convenient option with a direct service offered by Greyhound USA. The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes, covering a distance of 188 miles.
🚌 With ticket prices varying between $20 to $60, travelers can choose a cost-effective and efficient way to reach San Francisco from Fresno by bus. Whether opting for a straight route or a transfer, Greyhound USA ensures a reliable and enjoyable journey for all passengers.
Departure Point
Fresno Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Purchase your bus ticket in advance through Greyhound's official website at greyhound.com to secure the best fare, as prices for the Fresno to San Francisco route can range from $20 to $60.
• During the journey, enjoy the scenic views of California's Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada foothills—sit on the left side of the bus for the best landscapes as you approach the Bay Area.
• Upon arriving at the San Francisco Bus Station, familiarize yourself with public transit options such as Muni and BART by checking the station's transit map, which can be found here: sfmta.com this will help you navigate the city more easily.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Fresno to San Francisco.
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The distance between Fresno and San Francisco is approximately 262.3 km by road. By train, it takes about 4 hours and 36 minutes to travel between the two cities. If you opt for a combination of bus and Caltrain, the typical travel time is around 5 hours and 33 minutes. Flying is the fastest option, with a travel time of about 3 hours and 17 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Fresno to San Francisco is by train, which ranges in price from $12 to $110 and takes approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes. If time efficiency is a priority, then driving is the quickest option, taking around 3 hours and 14 minutes and costing between $30 and $50.
The prices for a train ticket between Fresno and San Francisco can range from $12 to $106, depending on the type of train and class of service. For a bus ticket, the prices between San Francisco and Fresno can range from $20 to $60, depending on the bus company and the type of seat chosen.
To travel from Fresno to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 300.9 km, which typically takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes. The drive offers the flexibility to explore the scenic route and make stops along the way. The cost of driving can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls, but it is generally estimated to be between $30 and $50.
If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Fresno to San Francisco is by train. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and 36 minutes and ticket prices range from $12 to $110. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 4 hours and 55 minutes and costs between $20 and $60. Lastly, you can also consider flying, which is the fastest option with a travel time of 3 hours and 17 minutes, but prices can vary between $110 and $430.
Yes, there is a direct bus link between Fresno and San Francisco. The bus services, operated by Greyhound USA, depart from Fresno Bus Station and arrive at San Francisco Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes. Amtrak also provides train services from Fresno to San Francisco, with a transfer at Richmond, and the journey takes about 4 hours and 36 minutes.
The flight between Fresno and San Francisco typically takes 1 hour and 2 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, ranging from $119 to $422.
There are numerous accommodation options available near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a variety of options to suit their needs and budget. Prices start at $74, ensuring there are choices available for different price ranges.