San Francisco, CA, USA to Tijuana from $29: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Francisco to Tijuana: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$29 by trainBest price

769 kmDistance

4h 24m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Tijuana 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.

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San Francisco - Tijuana operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Tijuana

Average Duration

14h 35m

Estimated price

$750-751

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to San Diego

Average Duration

10h 55m

Estimated price

$290-755

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Oakland to Los Angeles

Average Duration

12h 2m

Estimated price

$756-29220

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

$297-2884

Contact phone

+1 619-233-3004

Website

https://www.sdmts.com

Train from Old Town Station to San Ysidro Station

Average Duration

57m

Estimated price

$292-293

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

http://www.bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$295-2920

Plane

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$2880-2881

Website

alaskaair.com

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

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$754-2886

Website

united.com

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

Average Duration

1h 42m

Estimated price

$2882-7520

Website

flyfrontier.com

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

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$2889-2886

Website

spirit.com

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

Average Duration

1h 31m

Estimated price

$2889-300

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Tijuana 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 San Francisco to Tijuana, covering a distance of 523 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes and cities along the way. 💲 Explore budget-friendly options with prices ranging from $95 to $140 for the drive from San Francisco to Tijuana. Plan your trip efficiently to make the most of your travel budget. 🌮 Arrive in Tijuana after approximately 8 hours and 43 minutes of driving, ready to savor delicious Mexican cuisine, vibrant culture, and the unique charm of this border city.

Average price

$95 - $140

🚆 Embark on a picturesque train journey from San Francisco to Tijuana spanning a total travel time of 18 hours and 26 minutes. 💸 The cost of a train ticket for this route ranges from $29 to $263, offering flexibility for travelers with different budgets.

🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Tijuana is a convenient and time-efficient journey. The quickest flight option is a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to San Diego Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

San Diego Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Consider booking a direct flight from San Francisco to San Diego before making the easy 30-minute drive or shuttle ride across the border to Tijuana; this is generally more convenient and quicker than connecting flights.

• Upon arrival at Tijuana's General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport (TIJ), be prepared for potential long lines at customs; it’s advisable to have your immigration documents ready, and remember that you can use the express lane if you complete your FMM tourist form online in advance.

• Taxi services from Tijuana Airport to the city center cost around $25-$30; always confirm the estimated fare before starting your journey, and look for authorized taxi services instead of accepting rides from solicitors inside the airport.

🚌 The journey from San Francisco to Tijuana by bus is a direct route operated by Greyhound USA. Services run once daily, taking approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the San Francisco to Tijuana bus range from $55 to $130, offering an affordable and convenient transportation option for those looking to explore Mexico from the Bay Area.

Departure Point

San Francisco Bus Station

Arrival Point

Tijuana station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Tijuana is approximately 769.3 km by air. By train, it takes about 18 hours and 26 minutes to reach Tijuana from San Francisco. If you opt for a combination of flying and tram, the total travel time is around 4 hours and 24 minutes. Driving by car takes about 8 hours and 43 minutes, while traveling by bus can take approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Tijuana is to take a night bus. It typically takes around 14 hours and 34 minutes and costs between $45 and $160. Another option is to fly and then take a tram, which is the quickest way and takes approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes at a cost of $65 to $290.

The prices of a train ticket between San Francisco and Tijuana can range from $29 to $263 depending on the class and availability. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between Tijuana and San Francisco can vary between $55 and $130 based on the bus company and the type of amenities offered.

To get from San Francisco to Tijuana without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance is approximately 841.7 km, and the drive takes around 8 hours and 43 minutes. The cost of driving from San Francisco to Tijuana by car can vary, ranging from $95 to $140 depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.

If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from San Francisco to Tijuana is by bus. The journey takes approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes and the cost ranges from $55 to $130.

Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and Tijuana. Greyhound USA operates a daily bus service from San Francisco Bus Station to Tijuana, which takes approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes.

The flight between San Francisco and Tijuana typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but it generally ranges from $100 to $200.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Tijuana with over 406 hotels to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at $54 per night, offering a wide range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.