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San Diego, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $40: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States
to
San Francisco, United States

How to Get from San Diego 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 busBest price
740.3 kmDistance
3h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego 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
3h  15m
Estimated price
$74-286
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
15h  46m
Estimated price
$26-258
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 740.3 km
Duration: 3h 15m

See more options

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
10h  45m
Estimated price
$40-140
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  40m
Estimated price
$48-298
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
12h  21m
Estimated price
$58-126
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  24m
Estimated price
$61-297
Company
Southern CA-Northern CA
Bus
BART
Average Duration
13h  18m
Estimated price
$64-100
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
8h  21m
Estimated price
$90-140
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Diego to San Francisco

This journey between San Diego and San Francisco offers a striking contrast, where the sun-kissed beaches and laid-back vibe of San Diego meet the vibrant culture and iconic landmarks of San Francisco.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Mission District
• Renowned for vibrant street art and murals.
• Home to trendy cafes and inventive cuisine.
North Beach
• The city's Little Italy with bustling eateries.
• Offers stunning views of the Bay and city.
Haight-Ashbury
• Famous for its 1960s counterculture history.
• Features eclectic shops and vintage clothing stores.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your San Francisco experience.

Golden Gate Bridge
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light.
Fisherman's Wharf
Weekdays are best; enjoy less traffic and more intimate dining.
Alcatraz Island
Book early morning tours to avoid crowds and capture gorgeous views.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers, making it an appealing destination throughout the year. However, the city's famous fog can affect visibility and temperatures, so layering clothing and planning activities accordingly can enhance your travel experience.

Dining in San Francisco

For a distinctive culinary experience, try a bowl of clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, a dish that embodies the city's coastal heritage. This contrasts with San Diego's fresh seafood tacos, as here you'll find rich flavors and a cozy atmosphere that reflects San Francisco's vibrant fishing history.

San Diego - San Francisco operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 43m
Estimated price
$90-420

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$110-370

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$85-650
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$95-460

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$95-460
Website
united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
$110-470
Website
spirit.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$60-300

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$40-330
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
$60-460
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to San Francisco

Average Duration
10h 45m
Estimated price
$40-140
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Oakland

Average Duration
11h
Estimated price
$55-120
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$5-85

Train from Los Angeles to Oakland

Average Duration
11h 15m
Estimated price
$19-170
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$6-10

Train from Berryessa / North San Jose to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$7-10

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

Traveling between San Diego 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 exciting road trip from sunny San Diego to vibrant San Francisco, covering a scenic driving distance of 811.1 km. 💸 Budget-conscious travelers can rejoice as the cost of traveling from San Diego to San Francisco by car ranges from $90 to $140, offering flexibility in planning your trip. ⏱️ Plan for a leisurely drive of approximately 8 hours and 21 minutes, allowing ample time to make pit stops at charming towns, enjoy local cuisines, and create lasting memories as you cruise along the iconic California coast from southern to northern California.
Average price
$90 - $140
🌉 The route includes stops in Los Angeles and Lake Merritt before reaching the final destination of Civic Center / UN Plaza in San Francisco. The total travel time can take up to 15 hours and 46 minutes, including transfers. 💸 Prices for a train ticket between San Diego and San Francisco range from $26 to $258, depending on the class and availability.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: If you are traveling on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, you can expect a café car offering a selection of light meals, snacks, and beverages, including local wines and craft beers. Remember to check the menu online prior to your trip to have an idea of what you'd like to eat.
• Seating Options: The Pacific Surfliner offers several seating classes: First Class, Business Class, and Economy. First Class features spacious recliner seats and complimentary snacks and beverages. Business Class provides more comfortable seating and allows for great views through larger windows. Economy Class is the most economical option, offering standard seating and access to onboard services, making it suitable for budget travelers.
• Multiple Operators: The primary operator for this route is Amtrak, which provides the Pacific Surfliner service. For more information, you can visit their website at Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. Additionally, you can consider alternative operators like Greyhound and FlixBus for bus services, with their respective websites being Greyhound and FlixBus.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from San Diego to San Francisco is by taking a direct flight, which only takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. 🌉 Airlines such as Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., and Southwest Airlines operate flights between San Diego Airport and San Francisco Airport, making it convenient for travelers to choose from a variety of options. 💸 The prices for flights between San Diego and San Francisco can range between $74 to $286, providing flexibility for travelers with different budgets. It typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach San Francisco from San Diego by plane.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The overnight bus from San Diego to San Francisco is a convenient way to travel, taking approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes. 🌉 There are daily bus services operated by Flixbus USA, with prices ranging from $58 to $126 for the journey.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and San Francisco is approximately 741.9 km by road. By train, it takes approximately 15 hours and 46 minutes to travel from San Diego to San Francisco. Taking a combination of bus and BART can take around 13 hours and 19 minutes. If flying, the travel time is only 3 hours and 7 minutes. Driving by car can take approximately 8 hours and 21 minutes, while taking a bus alone can take around 12 hours and 21 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from San Diego to San Francisco is by taking a night bus, which is a cheaper option compared to other modes of transportation. The bus journey takes approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option would be to fly, with a flight duration of around 3 hours and 7 minutes.
The prices for a train ticket from San Diego to San Francisco range from $26 to $258, depending on factors such as the class of service and advance booking. On the other hand, bus prices between San Francisco and San Diego can vary between $58 and $126, depending on the bus company, time of travel, and length of the journey.
To get from San Diego to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 811.1 km, and it takes around 8 hours and 21 minutes to complete the journey by car. Keep in mind that the prices for the drive may vary and can range from $90 to $140, depending on factors such as gas prices and toll fees.
To travel from San Diego to San Francisco without a car, you have several options. The most convenient and fastest way is to take a flight, which takes about 3 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $60 and $290. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 12 hours and 21 minutes, with prices ranging from $55 to $130. Lastly, you can take a train, which takes approximately 15 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $26 and $260.
There is no direct train from San Diego to San Francisco, but there are options available with transfers. Amtrak operates train services that depart from San Diego and arrive at Oakland station, with transfers at Los Angeles and Lake Merritt, taking approximately 15h 46m. Alternatively, there is an overnight bus provided by Flixbus USA that departs from San Diego and arrives at San Francisco, taking approximately 10h 45m.
The flight between San Diego and San Francisco typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as flight route and weather conditions. As for cost, ticket prices for flights between the two cities can range between $64 and $286, depending on factors such as airline, class, and the time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Francisco. There are over 835 hotels available in the area, catering to various budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in San Francisco start at $74 per night, providing affordable options for travelers.