San Francisco, CA, USA to Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA from $114: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$114 - Bus, Train, CarBest price

1312.2 kmDistance

5h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park 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 Yellowstone National Park

Traveling from the bustling urban landscape of San Francisco to the breathtaking natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park offers an extraordinary shift from vibrant city life to serene wilderness.

Best Neighborhoods in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park features diverse areas, each offering unique experiences.

Mammoth Hot Springs

• Home to stunning geothermal features.

• Historic Park Headquarters nearby.

Old Faithful Area

• Famous for the iconic geyser.

• Offers convenient lodging options.

Lamar Valley

• Prime wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Known as the '.Serengeti of North America.'

Best Times To Visit Yellowstone National Park's Attractions

Timing your visit to Yellowstone can greatly enhance your experience at iconic sites.

Old Faithful

Visit early morning or late evening to enjoy smaller crowds and a beautiful sunset.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Spring and fall offer vibrant colors and fewer tourists for stunning views.

Lamar Valley

Early morning or late evening is best for wildlife watching and peaceful scenery.

Yellowstone National Park Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Yellowstone experiences a varied climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, making each season uniquely beautiful. Visiting during late spring or early fall offers mild weather and fewer crowds, while winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, influencing your travel plans and activities.

Dining Recommendation in Yellowstone National Park

Try the bison burger at the Roosevelt Lodge, which embodies the local flavors of the region with its rich, gamey taste paired with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms. This dining experience contrasts with San Francisco's diverse food scene, offering a rustic atmosphere surrounded by nature, enhancing the flavors of the region in a way that urban dining simply can’t replicate.

San Francisco - Yellowstone National Park operators

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

Plane

Website

delta.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to West Yellowstone (WYS)

Average Duration

5h 44m

Estimated price

$4182-4185

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to West Yellowstone (WYS)

Average Duration

5h 6m

Estimated price

$4186-4187

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

5h 17m

Estimated price

$4188-4189

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

5h 4m

Estimated price

$11300-4185

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Bozeman (BZN)

Average Duration

4h 45m

Estimated price

$11301-11302

Website

united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to West Yellowstone (WYS)

Average Duration

7h 25m

Estimated price

$11303-4189

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

2h 19m

Estimated price

$11304-4185

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

4h 57m

Estimated price

$11304-4185

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

5h 12m

Estimated price

$11304-4185

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

4h 42m

Estimated price

$11305-4187

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

5h 7m

Estimated price

$11306-11307

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Bozeman (BZN)

Average Duration

2h 38m

Estimated price

$4182-4184

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

2h 14m

Estimated price

$4181-4187

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Jackson (JAC)

Average Duration

4h 59m

Estimated price

$11308-11309

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Bozeman (BZN)

Average Duration

2h 10m

Estimated price

$4181-4189

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Bozeman (BZN)

Average Duration

4h 17m

Estimated price

$4181-4189

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Richmond to Salt Lake City

Average Duration

16h 43m

Estimated price

$1141-11300

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (406) 556-3540

Website

karststage.com

Bus from Bozeman, MT - Airport to West Yellowstone, MT

Average Duration

Estimated price

0-0

Contact phone

+1 208-656-8824

Website

saltlakeexpress.com

Bus from Salt Lake City Airport to Rexburg

Average Duration

4h 30m

Estimated price

$6152-6153

Bus from Rexburg, ID to Island Park

Average Duration

Estimated price

$6155-6156

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park.

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The distance between San Francisco and Yellowstone National Park is approximately 1100 miles. By car, the drive typically takes around 16 to 18 hours, depending on traffic and route. If traveling by plane, the flight time is about 2 to 3 hours, but you'll need to account for additional time for airport transfers and potential layovers. Alternatively, a bus or train trip can take significantly longer, often exceeding 24 hours, depending on connections and schedules.

The most cost-effective transportation option from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park is typically flying to a nearby airport, such as Jackson Hole or Bozeman, followed by a rental car for the drive to the park. This option saves time compared to driving the entire distance, as flights can take around 2 to 3 hours, and the drive from the airport to Yellowstone is relatively short.

Prices for traveling from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park can vary significantly based on the mode of transportation and time of booking. A round-trip flight to a nearby airport typically ranges from $150 to $400, while car rental prices can add anywhere from $50 to $100 per day. If you choose to drive, expect fuel costs to be around $150 to $250, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. For bus or train travel, prices may range from $100 to $300, but these options usually take longer and may involve multiple transfers.

You can get from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park without using public transportation by renting a car and driving the approximately 1100 miles.

Traveling from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park without a car can be done by using a combination of air travel and ground transportation. You can book a flight from San Francisco International Airport to Jackson Hole Airport or Yellowstone Airport, which generally takes around 2 to 3 hours. From the airport, you can rent a car, arrange for a shuttle service, or take a tour that includes transportation to the park. Additionally, you can consider using a rideshare service or finding a travel group that offers transportation to Yellowstone, allowing you to enjoy the journey without the need for your own vehicle.

There is no direct public transportation link between San Francisco and Yellowstone National Park. Travelers typically need to take a flight to a nearby airport, such as Jackson Hole Airport or Yellowstone Airport, and then use a combination of shuttle services, car rentals, or tours to reach the park.

A direct flight from San Francisco to airports near Yellowstone National Park, such as Jackson Hole Airport, typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. However, most flights may require at least one layover, which can extend the total travel time significantly. As for costs, round-trip airfare usually ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the time of booking, the season, and the airline.

There are various accommodation options near Yellowstone National Park, ranging from hotels and motels to lodges and campgrounds. Major towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, and Cody offer a mix of hotels and vacation rentals. Within the park, you can find national park lodges, such as the Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel, which provide unique experiences and breathtaking views.