Riverside, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $32: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Riverside to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$32 by trainBest price
700 kmDistance
5h 33m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Riverside 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.
Riverside - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Riverside and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://flixbus.com
Bus from San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
1h 5mEstimated price
$2106-2693Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station
Average Duration
9hEstimated price
$21095-2692Contact phone
+1 (214) 849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station
Average Duration
8h 10mEstimated price
$2693-323Contact phone
(800) 371-LINK (5465)Website
https://metrolinktrains.com
Train from Riverside-Downtown station to Tustin station
Average Duration
1h 6mEstimated price
$2101-2102Train from San Bernardino - Downtown station to Rancho Cucamonga station
Average Duration
26mEstimated price
$2107-2108Train from Riverside-Downtown station to L. A. Union Station station
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$660-2693Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
11h 15mEstimated price
$6659-2694Website
southwest.com
Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$320-321Website
united.com
Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 39mEstimated price
$2698-327Plane from Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
$328-329Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$320-26930Website
spirit.com
Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Oakland (OAK)
Average Duration
1h 15mEstimated price
$2100-360Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$2100-320Riverside to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Riverside 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 road trip from Riverside to San Francisco covering a distance of 435 miles, promising picturesque views along the way.
💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options starting from $75, with prices varying up to $120 for a smooth journey to the vibrant city of San Francisco.
🌉 Revel in a 7-hour, 12-minute car ride filled with adventure and discovery as you make your way from Riverside to San Francisco, exploring the beauty of California's diverse landscapes.
Average price
$75 - $120
🚂 Traveling from Riverside to San Francisco by train involves a scenic journey with a transfer in Los Angeles and Oakland. The total travel time is approximately 14 hours and 22 minutes.
🚉 The prices for a train ticket from Riverside to San Francisco range from $32 to $210, offering a comfortable and convenient transportation option for this long-distance trip.
Departure Point
Riverside-Downtown station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Riverside to San Francisco, consider Amtrak as a primary operator. They offer onboard catering services that include a café car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Their menu often features a selection of sandwiches, salads, and hot meals, perfect for enjoying during your journey.
• You have several seating options when traveling with Amtrak on this route. The standard offerings include Coach Class, which provides comfortable seating at an economical price, and Business Class, offering larger seats with more legroom and quieter cars. First Class is not available on this particular route, making Business Class your best option if you seek additional comfort.
• Upon arrival at the San Francisco station (known as the Salesforce Transit Center), you can easily navigate by following the signs to local transport options. There is no luggage storage available at the station, but you will find restrooms and food options on-site. For transferring to the city center, the quickest option is to take the Muni Metro; simply hop on the T Line towards Chinatown, which will get you to the downtown area in about 10 to 15 minutes.
🛫 Flying from Riverside to San Francisco is a convenient and efficient way to travel, with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 25 minutes from Santa Ana Airport to San Francisco Airport. Alaska Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines are the primary carriers offering flights on this route.
Departure Point
Santa Ana Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 While there is no direct bus route from Riverside to San Francisco travelers can take a bus that departs from Riverside and arrives in San Francisco via Los Angeles Downtown. The journey, which includes transfers, typically lasts around 10 hours and 5 minutes.
🚌 Prices for a bus ticket between San Francisco and Riverside range from $39 to $134, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to travel conveniently and affordably within the state. Travelers can enjoy the scenic views along the way while making their way from Riverside to the bustling city of San Francisco.
Departure Point
San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Riverside to San Francisco.
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The distance between Riverside and San Francisco is approximately 624 km by road. If you choose to travel by train, it typically takes around 14 hours and 22 minutes. Another option is to take a train to Santa Ana and then fly to San Francisco, which can take around 5 hours and 32 minutes. Driving by car usually takes about 7 hours and 12 minutes, while taking a bus can take approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Riverside to San Francisco is by taking a bus, which typically costs between $35 and $140 and takes around 10 hours and 5 minutes. However, if you are looking for the quickest option, taking a combination of bus, train, and fly is recommended. This option usually costs between $60 and $260 and takes approximately 5 hours and 29 minutes.
The prices for train tickets between Riverside and San Francisco range from $32 to $210. On the other hand, bus tickets between the two cities can cost anywhere from $39 to $134.
To get from Riverside to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 700 km, and it takes around 7 hours and 12 minutes to drive. However, please note that prices for this option can vary, ranging from $75 - $120 for fuel and tolls.
The best way to travel from Riverside to San Francisco without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes, and ticket prices range from $35 to $140.
Yes, there is a direct link between Riverside and San Francisco. However, the most convenient way is to take a combination of train and bus. The train journey takes approximately 14 hours and 22 minutes, with transfers in Los Angeles and Oakland. Alternatively, the bus journey takes around 10 hours and 5 minutes, with a transfer in Los Angeles.
The flight duration from Santa Ana Airport to San Francisco Airport is typically 1 hour and 25 minutes. However, the cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors. On average, the cost of a one-way flight between Riverside and San Francisco ranges from $100 to $300.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can easily find a place to stay that suits their budget and preferences. Prices start at $74 per night, offering a range of affordable options for visitors. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, budget-friendly motels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, San Francisco has a variety of options to cater to every traveler's needs.