San Francisco, CA, USA to Denver, CO, USA from $59: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Francisco to Denver: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$59 by trainBest price
1534 kmDistance
4h 45m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Denver 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 - Denver operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Denver, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Denver (DEN)
Average Duration
2h 27mEstimated price
$515-516Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Denver (DEN)
Average Duration
2h 25mEstimated price
$518-519Website
united.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Denver (DEN)
Average Duration
2h 43mEstimated price
$2413-2414Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Denver (DEN)
Average Duration
2h 37mEstimated price
$2415-2416Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Denver (DEN)
Average Duration
2h 36mEstimated price
$2419-2417Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Richmond to Denver
Average Duration
32h 16mEstimated price
$513-985Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Denver Union Station
Average Duration
31h 3mEstimated price
$3821-987Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Other from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas
Average Duration
1h 6mEstimated price
$983-984San Francisco to Denver: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Francisco and Denver 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.
🚗 Discover the beauty of the American West as you embark on a scenic road trip from San Francisco to Denver. Covering a distance of 1275 miles, this journey promises a blend of urban exploration and natural wonders.
💸 Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the range of prices for this road trip, with car rental fees and fuel costs typically falling between $230 and $340. This flexibility allows you to tailor your expenses to suit your preferences and travel style.
⏰ Set aside approximately 19 hours and 11 minutes for this adventure-filled drive, where you'll witness diverse landscapes, charming towns, and the captivating allure of the open road. Embrace the journey and create lasting memories as you make your way from San Francisco to Denver.
Average price
$230 - $340
🚆 Embark on a scenic journey from San Francisco to Denver by train, with routes that may involve transfers along the way. The travel time, including transfers, is approximately 33 hours and 56 minutes.
💰 Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to Denver range from $59 to $385, offering budget-friendly options for different preferences and travel needs. Pack your bags, sit back, and soak in the adventure of this unique cross-country rail journey.
Departure Point
Richmond station
Arrival Point
Denver station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from San Francisco to Denver, Amtrak is your primary operator. They offer a dining car where you can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages. Meals range from breakfast options like omelets and pancakes to lunch and dinner items like pasta and steak. If you're in a sleeper car, you'll enjoy complimentary meals served to your suite.
• Amtrak provides different seating options on this route: Coach Class, Business Class, and Sleeper Cars. Coach seating is the most economical, while Business Class offers wider seats and more legroom along with complimentary snacks and beverages. For overnight trips, consider booking a Sleeper Car; it includes a private room, bedding, and meal service, allowing for a more comfortable travel experience.
• Upon arriving in Denver at Union Station, you'll find that it is a well-connected hub. The station has luggage storage services available, which allow you to explore the city unencumbered. You can also find restrooms within the station. To get to downtown Denver quickly, take the RTD A Line train to the city center, which runs every 15 minutes and takes about 37 minutes to make the trip.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from San Francisco to Denver by taking a direct flight that lasts just 2 hours and 20 minutes.
💸 Ticket prices for flights between these two vibrant cities typically range from $51 to $241, catering to different budget preferences for a comfortable 4 hours and 45 minutes trip through the skies.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Denver Airport
🚌 Starting from San Francisco Bus Station, the journey to Denver USA by bus involves transfers in Bakersfield and Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal. The total travel time is approximately 31 hours and 3 minutes.
🛤️ The route covers a distance of 1,423 miles and includes a transfer in Los Angeles. The first leg of the trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes around 9 hours and 15 minutes via Greyhound bus service.
🏙️ The final part of the journey from Los Angeles to Denver lasts about 22 hours and 55 minutes on a Greyhound bus. Upon arrival at Denver Union Station, you will have completed the 1 day, 9-hour adventure from San Francisco station.
Departure Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Arrival Point
Denver Union Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Denver.
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The distance between San Francisco and Denver is approximately 1533.7 km by air. By plane, the typical travel time is 4 hours and 50 minutes. If traveling by train, it takes about 33 hours and 56 minutes. By car, the journey takes approximately 19 hours and 11 minutes, while by bus it typically takes around 32 hours and 15 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Denver is by flying. With a travel time of just 4 hours and 50 minutes, it is the quickest way to reach your destination. Additionally, flights are generally affordable, with prices ranging from $40 to $240.
The prices for a train ticket from San Francisco to Denver range from $59 to $385. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Denver to San Francisco vary from $146 to $335.
To travel from San Francisco to Denver without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The road distance is approximately 2051.9 km, and it takes around 19 hours and 11 minutes to reach Denver by car. The cost of driving from San Francisco to Denver can range from $230 to $340, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to Denver without a car is by bus, as it takes 32 hours and 15 minutes and costs between $140 and $340. Another option is to fly, which takes 4 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $40 and $240. Alternatively, you could take a train, which takes 33 hours and 56 minutes and costs between $55 and $390.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and Denver. While there is no direct train from San Francisco to Denver, there are train services available with a transfer in Richmond. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 33h 56m. Additionally, there is a direct bus service from San Francisco to Denver with a journey time of approximately 32h 15m, including transfers.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Denver. With over 944 hotels available, travelers have a wide range of choices to fit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at $54, making it possible to find affordable accommodations for every traveler.