San Francisco, CA, USA to Fresno, CA, USA from $20: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Francisco to Fresno: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$20 by busBest price
262 kmDistance
2h 43m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Fresno 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.
San Francisco - Fresno operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Fresno, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
united.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Fresno (FAT)
Average Duration
2h 43mEstimated price
$142-438Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Fresno Bus Station
Average Duration
5hEstimated price
$20-60Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Richmond to Fresno
Average Duration
5h 30mEstimated price
$12-105Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
all-pages.transport_caltrain from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to Santa Clara Caltrain Southbound
Average Duration
1h 32mEstimated price
$12-12all-pages.transport_caltrain from Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose to Fresno, CA
Average Duration
5h 34mEstimated price
$46-65Drive from San Francisco to Fresno
Average Duration
3h 13mEstimated price
$30-1420San Francisco to Fresno: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Francisco and Fresno 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 Fresno spanning 187 miles, a journey that typically takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes by car. The route offers diverse landscapes, from the coastal allure of San Francisco to the agricultural heartland of central California.
💰 Prices to travel from San Francisco to Fresno by car can range from $30 to $50, providing flexibility for different budget considerations. Consider factors such as fuel costs, tolls, and any potential stops along the way when planning your travel budget for this enjoyable drive.
Average price
$30 - $50
🚂 Traveling from San Francisco to Fresno by train involves a transfer at Richmond. The journey, operated by Amtrak, takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
🎫 Prices for the train ticket between San Francisco and Fresno can range from $12 to $105, offering a cost-effective way to travel between the two cities.
🗺️ The route covers a distance of 212 miles and includes a subway ride to Richmond followed by a train journey to Fresno. The entire trip takes around 5 hours and 11 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Departure Point
Richmond station
Arrival Point
Fresno station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: When traveling from San Francisco to Fresno on Amtrak's San Joaquins service, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. You can look forward to light refreshments such as coffee, tea, and various packaged snacks. For meals, the Café Car provides a selection of sandwiches, salads, and microwaveable meals available for purchase.
• Seating Options: Amtrak offers two seating classes on the San Joaquins line: Coach Class and Business Class. Coach Class provides comfortable reclining seats and overhead racks for luggage, while Business Class features larger, more spacious seating with a quieter atmosphere and extra legroom. Reservations for Business Class might be advisable during peak travel times for a more relaxed experience.
• Operators: The main operator for this route is Amtrak. You can check schedules, book tickets, and find more details about your journey on their official website: Amtrak. For local transport schedules in Fresno, visit the Fresno Area Express (FAX) website at FAX.
🛫 When traveling from San Francisco to Fresno by plane, the quickest option is a direct flight that only takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes.
💰 The cost of a flight from Fresno to San Francisco can range from $142 to $438, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Fresno Airport
🚌 Traveling from San Francisco to Fresno by bus is a convenient option, with services operated by Greyhound USA. The journey typically takes around 5 hours, departing once daily from San Francisco Bus Station to arrive at Fresno Bus Station.
🛣️ The direct route from San Francisco to Fresno spans approximately 188 miles, offering a straightforward trip with a single bus transfer. Greyhound's reliable services ensure a smooth travel experience, with prices varying between $20 to $60 for this route.
🚏 For those looking for alternative routes, options with transfers through cities like Reno or Vancouver are available, extending the travel time to up to 10.5 hours. While longer, these routes offer a chance to see different cities along the way and provide flexibility for travelers.
Departure Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Arrival Point
Fresno Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to arrive at the San Francisco Bus Station early, as the boarding process for Greyhound buses can get busy, especially during peak travel hours; find more details on schedules at greyhound.com
• Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle for the 5-hour trip; while the bus may make a stop, options at those stops can be limited, and staying hydrated will make your journey more comfortable.
• Upon arrival at Fresno Bus Station, be prepared for potential wait times for local transit options; consider checking the Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus routes in advance at fresno.gov to plan your onward journey.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Fresno.
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The distance between San Francisco and Fresno is approximately 262 km by air and 301 km by road. Traveling by plane, it typically takes about 3 hours and 37 minutes to reach Fresno from San Francisco. By car, the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes. If you prefer using public transportation, it takes around 5 hours and 30 minutes by train and 5 hours by bus.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Fresno is by driving. It takes approximately 3 hours and 13 minutes and costs around $30-$50. Alternatively, taking a bus is a cheaper option, costing $20-$60, but it takes longer, averaging about 5 hours.
When traveling from San Francisco to Fresno, the prices for a train ticket range from $12 to $105. The prices for a bus ticket between Fresno and San Francisco vary from $20 to $60.
To travel from San Francisco to Fresno without using public transportation, you can rent a car and drive the distance of approximately 301 km. It takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to make this journey by car. Rental car prices can vary from $30 to $50, depending on the rental company and duration of rental.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to Fresno without a car is by taking a bus, which typically takes 5 hours and costs between $20 and $60. Another option is to take a train, which takes slightly longer at 5 hours and 30 minutes but can range in price from $12 to $110. Alternatively, you can choose to fly, which is the fastest option at 3 hours and 37 minutes but can cost between $110 and $430.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and Fresno. You can travel by train, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, including transfers. There is also a direct bus service that operates daily, with a travel time of around 5 hours. The train services are operated by Amtrak, while the bus services are operated by Greyhound USA.
The flight between San Francisco and Fresno typically takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes. However, the duration of the flight can vary depending on the airline and any layovers. As for the cost, prices for a flight between Fresno and San Francisco can range from $119 to $421, depending on factors such as the time of booking, the airline, and the class of travel.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Fresno as there are over 105 hotels available in the area. Prices for hotels start at $56, providing a range of options to suit different budgets.