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San Francisco, CA, USA to Seattle, WA, USA from $38: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
Seattle, United States

How to Get from San Francisco to Seattle: 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.

$38 by trainBest price
1097.75 kmDistance
4h 13m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Seattle 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  13m
Estimated price
$80-314
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
23h  53m
Estimated price
$38-283
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1097.75 km
Duration: 4h 13m

See more options

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  26m
Estimated price
$70-386
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
18h  45m
Estimated price
$70-235
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  15m
Estimated price
$72-315
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  4m
Estimated price
$91-408
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  36m
Estimated price
$106-616
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  33m
Estimated price
$123-448
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
13h  51m
Estimated price
$140-220
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Seattle

Traveling between San Francisco and Seattle offers a fascinating contrast, with San Francisco's hilly streets and iconic Golden Gate Bridge setting the stage for Seattle's lush, coffee-scented atmosphere and striking skyline features like the Space Needle.

Best Neighbourhoods in Seattle

Seattle's neighborhoods each offer distinct experiences and cultural vibes.

Capitol Hill
• Vibrant nightlife scene with diverse bars and clubs
• Rich in arts, featuring galleries and theaters
Pike Place Market
• Iconic market with fresh produce and local artisans
• Scenic waterfront views and street performances
Ballard
• Historic district known for breweries and seafood restaurants
• Picturesque Ballard Locks and botanical gardens

Best Times To Visit Seattle's Attractions

Timing your visits to Seattle's attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Space Needle
Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon offers fewer crowds and stunning views.
Pike Place Market
Weekdays, especially early mornings, provide a quieter shopping experience.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Late afternoons during weekdays allow for a more peaceful exploration of the exhibits.

Seattle Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Seattle experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers; the best times to visit are typically late spring and early fall for pleasant weather. Be prepared for the occasional drizzle as it can impact your outdoor activities, enhancing the beauty of the lush landscape.

Dining Recommendation in Seattle

Try the Dungeness crab from The Walrus and the Carpenter, a seafood restaurant that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest with its intimate oyster bar vibe and focus on local ingredients. This experience starkly contrasts with San Francisco's bustling culinary scene, emphasizing a more laid-back atmosphere and a seafood-focused menu that highlights the region's fresh offerings.

San Francisco - Seattle operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$70-330

Plane from San Francisco via Portland to Seattle

Average Duration
3h 43m
Estimated price
$70-330

Plane from Oakland to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 7m
Estimated price
$75-330

Plane from Oakland via Portland to Seattle

Average Duration
3h 59m
Estimated price
$75-330

Plane from San Jose to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 14m
Estimated price
$95-420

Plane from San Jose via Portland to Seattle

Average Duration
3h 42m
Estimated price
$95-420

Plane from Santa Rosa to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$110-700

Plane from Santa Rosa via Portland to Seattle

Average Duration
4h 16m
Estimated price
$110-700

Plane from Sacramento to Seattle

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$110-550

Plane from Sacramento via Portland to Seattle

Average Duration
3h 37m
Estimated price
$110-550
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Oakland to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 7m
Estimated price
$85-360

Plane from San Jose to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$120-300

Plane from Sacramento to Seattle

Average Duration
1h 57m
Estimated price
$250-380
Website
delta.com

Plane from San Francisco to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 14m
Estimated price
$100-350

Plane from San Jose to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$130-440

Plane from Sacramento to Seattle

Average Duration
1h 59m
Estimated price
$140-470
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco to Seattle

Average Duration
2h 22m
Estimated price
$110-470
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Richmond to Sacramento

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$3-75

Train from Oakland to Seattle

Average Duration
22h 24m
Estimated price
$35-280
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$6-10
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Sacramento

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$10-45

Bus from Sacramento to Seattle Bus Station

Average Duration
15h 40m
Estimated price
$60-190

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Seattle 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 covering 1306.8 km from San Francisco to Seattle, offering stunning coastal and mountain views along the way. 💸 Get ready to budget between $140 to $220 for gas, snacks, and perhaps a spontaneous pit stop at a quirky roadside attraction as you make your way from the bustling city vibes of San Francisco to the laid-back charm of Seattle. ⏰ Plan for a full day of driving, spanning approximately 13 hours and 51 minutes, as you traverse through diverse landscapes and make unforgettable memories on this epic journey from California to Washington.
Average price
$140 - $220
🚂 The journey from San Francisco to Seattle by train involves a transfer in Oakland and takes approximately 23 hours and 53 minutes. The train services are operated by Amtrak. 🌉 Route 1 to reach Seattle from San Francisco by train takes 1 day and includes 2 transfers. The total distance covered is 1475.8 km. The first leg involves a subway journey from Montgomery St to Richmond with Bay Area Rapid Transit, followed by a train journey to Sacramento Valley Station with Capitol Corridor. 🏙️ The final step of the journey is a 20-hour and 2-minute train ride from Sacramento Valley Station to King Street Station in Seattle on the Coast Starlight train operated by Amtrak. The prices for this scenic train trip can vary between $38 to $283.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Seattle station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your journey from San Francisco to Seattle, consider traveling with Amtrak, which offers a dining car service. You can enjoy freshly prepared meals and snacks in the dining car, featuring options such as local meats, vegetarian meals, and beverages. Depending on the train service, you may also find a café car with lighter snacks and drinks available for purchase.
• Amtrak provides several seating options on this route. You can choose from Coach Class, Business Class, or First-Class accommodations. Coach Class has comfortable reclining seats and large windows, while Business Class offers wider seats with more legroom and complimentary beverages. First Class includes all the amenities of Business Class plus premium meal services and access to station lounges.
• The primary operator for the San Francisco to Seattle route is Amtrak (amtrak.com). Other options may include scenic tour services that occasionally run along this route, but Amtrak is the most common and frequent service you will find. You can also check out local transport schedules and options at the Seattle King Street Station's website (seattlestation.com).
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Seattle is a quick and convenient journey with the fastest direct flight taking just 2 hours and 10 minutes. ✈️ Airlines such as Delta, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, Inc. 💸 Prices for flights between Seattle and San Francisco can range from $80 to $314, offering flexibility for different budgets when planning this air travel route.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Seattle Airport
🚌 The journey from San Francisco to Seattle by bus takes approximately 18 hours and 45 minutes with a transfer in Sacramento. Flixbus USA operates the bus services for this route. 🛣️ Route 1 entails a 1-day, 3-hour trip covering a distance of 1514.4 km with a transfer in Los Angeles. Greyhound is the main bus operator for this route. 🛤️ Route 2 involves a 1-day, 4-hour journey spanning 1353.5 km with transfers in Sacramento and Redding. Flixbus and Greyhound are the primary bus companies for this route, offering convenient travel options.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
Seattle Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Seattle is approximately 1099.2 km by air and 1306.8 km by road. The travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around 23 hours and 53 minutes. By train to Sacramento and then flying, it takes approximately 7 hours and 4 minutes. By plane, the travel time is about 4 hours and 16 minutes. By car, it takes around 13 hours and 51 minutes, and by bus, it takes approximately 22 hours and 40 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Seattle is by train, with fares ranging from $35 to $290. However, this option takes the longest at 23 hours and 53 minutes. The fastest option is to fly, which takes 4 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $70 and $330.
The prices for a train ticket between San Francisco and Seattle can range from $38 to $283, depending on the type of ticket and class of service chosen. On the other hand, bus tickets for the same route can vary from $96 to $212.
To get from San Francisco to Seattle without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1306.8 km, and it takes around 13 hours and 51 minutes to reach Seattle by car. Rental car prices vary but can range from $140 to $220 for the journey. Enjoy the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast and make stops at beautiful destinations along the way.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to Seattle without a car would be to take a bus, which takes approximately 22 hours and 40 minutes and costs between $95 and $220. Another option is to fly, which would take around 4 hours and 16 minutes with prices ranging from $75 to $330. Additionally, you could consider taking a train, with a journey time of about 23 hours and 53 minutes and costing between $35 and $290.
The flight between San Francisco and Seattle typically takes 2 hours and 13 minutes. However, it's important to note that flight durations can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. In terms of cost, prices for a flight between the two cities can range from $75 to $324, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability of deals or discounts.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Seattle with over 1,214 hotels available. These range from budget-friendly options starting at $56, to luxury hotels offering a more lavish stay.