San Francisco, CA, USA to Boston, MA, USA from $95: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$95 - PlaneBest price

4360 kmDistance

7h 16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Boston 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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Traveling From San Francisco to Boston

Traveling from San Francisco to Boston offers an exciting contrast, with San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant tech scene juxtaposed against Boston's rich history and charming colonial architecture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Boston

Boston's neighborhoods each offer distinctive character and charm for visitors.

Beacon Hill

• Cobblestone streets with historic brownstones

• Close to the Boston Common park

North End

• Renowned for its Italian cuisine

• Rich history tied to the American Revolution

Back Bay

• Stunning architectural gems like the Trinity Church

• Upscale shopping along Newbury Street

Best Times To Visit Boston's Attractions

Timing your visit to Boston's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Freedom Trail

Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid large crowds.

Fenway Park

Attend weekday games or day games for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Museum of Fine Arts

Visit during late afternoons on weekdays for fewer visitors and quieter galleries.

Boston Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Boston experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers; spring and fall are often considered the best times to visit due to mild temperatures. Weather can significantly impact your travel experience, influencing outdoor activities and sightseeing plans.

Culinary Highlights in Boston

A must-try dish in Boston is the traditional New England clam chowder, thick and creamy, served in a bread bowl at restaurants like Legal Sea Foods. This contrasts with San Francisco's focus on fresh seafood and fusion flavors, highlighting Boston's rich maritime heritage and the cozy, inviting atmosphere of its historic dining spots.

San Francisco - Boston operators

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

Plane

Website

united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Boston (BOS)

Average Duration

5h 43m

Estimated price

$4121-4122

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Boston (BOS) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration

7h 27m

Estimated price

$4121-4122

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Boston (BOS) via Newark

Average Duration

7h 29m

Estimated price

$95-4123

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Boston (BOS) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration

7h 53m

Estimated price

$4124-4125

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Providence (PVD) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration

8h 46m

Estimated price

$4126-1183

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to Boston (BOS) via Newark

Average Duration

7h 31m

Estimated price

$1189-4127

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to Boston (BOS) via Chicago O'Hare

Average Duration

7h 53m

Estimated price

$1189-4127

Website

jetblue.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Boston (BOS)

Average Duration

5h 38m

Estimated price

$4124-4128

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Boston (BOS)

Average Duration

5h 47m

Estimated price

$4126-1186

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Boston (BOS) via New York JFK

Average Duration

8h 41m

Estimated price

$4126-1186

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Provincetown (PVC) via Boston

Average Duration

9h 47m

Estimated price

$4128-4120

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Provincetown (PVC) via Boston, Hyannis

Average Duration

15h 36m

Estimated price

$4125-4120

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Provincetown (PVC) via Detroit, Boston

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

$4129-4125

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to Boston (BOS)

Average Duration

5h 31m

Estimated price

$950-4127

Website

delta.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Boston (BOS)

Average Duration

5h 34m

Estimated price

$951-952

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Boston (BOS) via Detroit

Average Duration

7h 25m

Estimated price

$951-952

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Boston (BOS) via Atlanta

Average Duration

9h 1m

Estimated price

$953-954

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Boston (BOS) via Minneapolis

Average Duration

7h 42m

Estimated price

$955-956

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Boston (BOS) via Atlanta

Average Duration

8h 10m

Estimated price

$957-956

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Providence (PVD) via Detroit

Average Duration

9h 14m

Estimated price

$958-959

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to Boston (BOS) via Minneapolis

Average Duration

7h 12m

Estimated price

$4930-954

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to Boston (BOS) via Detroit

Average Duration

9h 49m

Estimated price

$4930-954

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$4937-4938

Train from Providence (PVD) to Boston

Average Duration

1h 2m

Estimated price

$4939-958

Train from Providence (PVD) to Boston

Average Duration

1h 14m

Estimated price

$3942-3943

Train from Richmond to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

2h 3m

Estimated price

$1185-1186

Train from Chicago Union Station to Boston

Average Duration

22h 2m

Estimated price

$3597-359000

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$4937-4938

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Providence (PVD) to Boston

Average Duration

51m

Estimated price

$39401-3945

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration

8h 5m

Estimated price

$35900-3595

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to Las Vegas Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

5h 23m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus from Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal to St Louis Bus Station

Average Duration

33h 15m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Port Authority Bus Terminal

Average Duration

23h 55m

Estimated price

$1187-4126

Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to South Station, Boston, MA

Average Duration

4h 30m

Estimated price

$39403-49375

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Boston 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 epic cross-country journey from the vibrant city of San Francisco to the historical charm of Boston covering a driving distance of 3126 miles. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of varying prices ranging from $550 to $850 for the exciting road trip that spans approximately 2 days of driving time through diverse landscapes and scenic routes.

Average price

$550 - $850

🛤️ Enjoy the scenic views and the unique experience of traveling by train as you traverse the vast distance between the two iconic American cities. 🚂 The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 3 days and 4 hours, providing ample opportunity to relax and take in the diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 Ticket prices for the San Francisco to Boston train ride range from $144 to $955, offering options for different budgets and preferences. 🌆 Arrive at Boston station, operated by Amtrak, and immerse yourself in the historic charm and vibrant culture of this East Coast destination.

Departure Point

Richmond station

Arrival Point

Boston station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Amtrak is the primary operator for your journey from San Francisco to Boston. They offer various onboard services including complimentary meals for First Class passengers and a café car featuring a selection of snacks and beverages for Economy and Business Class travelers. Make sure to check the menu beforehand, as dining options may vary depending on the train.

• The seating options on Amtrak trains include First Class, Business Class, and Coach (Economy). First Class offers wider seats and more privacy, along with enhanced meal options. Business Class provides extra legroom and complimentary drinks, while Coach Class is more economical with standard seating. Be sure to reserve your seat in advance to ensure the best traveling experience on this long journey.

• Once you arrive at Boston's South Station, you will find that it is well-equipped for travelers. There are facilities to leave your luggage at the station, so you can explore the city without your bags. Additionally, you can access clean restrooms, and while there are no showers, the nearby hotels and gyms often provide day pass options for travelers in need.

🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Boston is convenient with multiple airlines like Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta, and United offering direct flights that take around 5 and a half hours. This makes for a relatively quick journey across the country. 🌆 Once you land at Boston Airport, you'll have completed a journey that typically takes about 7 hours and 16 minutes. The bustling city of Boston awaits, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious seafood cuisine. 💸 Flight prices between Boston and San Francisco can vary between $118 to $412, so it's worth comparing different airlines and booking in advance to secure the best deals for your trip.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Boston Airport

🚌 The trip from San Francisco to Boston by bus is an adventure spanning approximately 3 days and 6 hours, with multiple transfers along the way.

Departure Point

San Francisco Bus Station

Arrival Point

South Station, Boston, MA

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Boston is approximately 4359.7 km, or 5031.3 km by road. By train, it takes an unspecified amount of time to reach Boston from San Francisco. However, by taking a combination of train and flight, the travel time is about 10 hours and 29 minutes. By plane, it takes around 7 hours and 27 minutes to reach Boston from San Francisco.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Boston is to take BART to the nearby airport and then fly. This option can cost between $90 and $350 and takes approximately 8 hours and 46 minutes. However, the quickest way to travel between the two cities is by flying directly, which takes around 7 hours and 27 minutes and can cost between $100 and $410.

The prices for a train ticket from San Francisco to Boston can range from $144 to $955, depending on the class and availability. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Boston to San Francisco can vary from $348 to $776.

To get from San Francisco to Boston without public transportation, you can choose to drive the entire way. The distance is approximately 5030.8 km and it takes about 2 days of driving to reach Boston. The cost of driving can vary, ranging from around $550 to $850 depending on factors like fuel prices and the type of vehicle you are using.

The most convenient and fastest way to travel from San Francisco to Boston without a car is by flying. This option takes approximately 7 hours and 27 minutes, with costs ranging from $100 to $410. Another option is to take a train, which takes around 3 days and 4 hours and costs between $140 and $1,000. Lastly, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes approximately 3 days and 6 hours, with costs ranging from $340 to $800.

There is no direct train or bus link between San Francisco and Boston. However, there are train services available with transfers that take approximately 3 days and 4 hours. The train journey involves transferring at Richmond and Chicago Union Station before arriving in Boston. Similarly, there are bus services with transfers that take around 3 days and 6 hours, involving stops at Los Angeles Union Station, St Louis Bus Station, and Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City before reaching Boston.

The flight duration between San Francisco and Boston is approximately 5 hours and 31 minutes for a direct flight. However, it's important to note that flight times can vary depending on factors such as airline, layovers, and weather conditions. The cost of a flight between these two cities typically ranges from $109 to $406, with prices varying based on factors such as booking time, airline, and seat class.

There are 808+ hotels available in Boston, offering a range of options for accommodations. Prices for hotels in Boston start at $73, making it possible to find a suitable place to stay within different budget ranges.

San Francisco, CA, USA to Boston, MA, USA from $95: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From San Francisco to Boston

Best Neighbourhoods in Boston

Best Times To Visit Boston's Attractions

Boston Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Culinary Highlights in Boston

San Francisco - Boston operators

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

Useful tips for train travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from San Francisco

Trips to Boston

Popular routes