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Denver, CO, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $60: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Denver, United States
to
San Francisco, United States

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$60 by trainBest price
1533.52 kmDistance
4h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  51m
Estimated price
$51-242
Recommended
route map
Distance: 1533.52 km
Duration: 4h 51m

See more options

Company
Greyhound USA & Amtrak
Bus
Average Duration
30h  47m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
33h  52m
Estimated price
$60-381
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  26m
Estimated price
$80-344
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  10m
Estimated price
$98-382
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
19h  11m
Estimated price
$230-340
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  29m
Estimated price
$244-512
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Traveling From Denver to San Francisco

Traveling from Denver to San Francisco offers a striking contrast between the majestic Rocky Mountains and the iconic coastal skyline, allowing you to experience both a vibrant urban atmosphere and breathtaking natural scenery.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct character.

Mission District
• Vibrant street art and murals everywhere.
• Renowned for its innovative food scene.
Chinatown
• Largest Chinatown outside Asia.
• Rich in history and cultural experiences.
Golden Gate Park
• Expansive green space with many attractions.
• Ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your San Francisco experience.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early morning or late afternoon offers fewer tourists and stunning lighting.
Alcatraz Island
Weekday mornings provide a quieter atmosphere and better ferry availability.
Fisherman's Wharf
Visiting on weekdays minimizes crowds and allows more leisurely exploration.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco features a mild climate with cool, foggy summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Spring and fall often offer the best weather for exploring, as clearer skies enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Try the Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf, where the freshness of the seafood shines through and provides a distinct contrast to the hearty fare often found in Denver. The lively atmosphere, complete with waterfront views and local vendors, enhances your dining experience, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of California.

Denver - San Francisco operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$130-390

Plane from Denver (DEN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
$130-450

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 37m
Estimated price
$260-370
Website
united.com

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 49m
Estimated price
$100-460

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 43m
Estimated price
$170-350
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 58m
Estimated price
$40-220
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Denver to Richmond

Average Duration
32h 54m
Estimated price
$55-380
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Denver Union Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration
15h 30m
Estimated price
$80-170

Bus from Las Vegas Amtrak Bus Stop to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
5h 47m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration
7h 30m
Estimated price
$30-80
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Other from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$6-10

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

Traveling between Denver and San Francisco 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 exciting road trip from Denver to San Francisco, covering a distance of 2051.9 km through beautiful landscapes and diverse terrain. ⏰ Enjoy a scenic journey that lasts around 19 hours and 11 minutes, allowing you to witness the changing scenery from the Rocky Mountains to the coastal beauty of California. 💸 Prices for this memorable drive range from $230 to $340, offering budget-friendly options to experience the adventure of driving from the Mile High City to the Golden Gate City.
Average price
$230 - $340
🚂 To embark on a scenic train journey from Denver to San Francisco travelers will need to plan for a route with a transfer in Richmond. 🎫 The train services for this route are operated by Amtrak, with departures from Denver station and arrivals at Richmond station. With a total travel time of approximately 33 hours and 52 minutes, passengers can expect a comfortable and leisurely ride through the changing landscapes. 🌉 Travelers can expect ticket prices for this train journey between Denver and San Francisco to range from $60 to $381, offering flexibility for different budgets.
Departure Point
Denver station
Arrival Point
Richmond station
Useful tips for train travellers
On your train trip from Denver to San Francisco, consider Amtrak as your primary operator. They offer several onboard catering services, including a Café Car with snacks, beverages, and light meals available for purchase. Additionally, Amtrak's dining service in the reserved seating areas provides complimentary meals for those in sleeping accommodations or an upgraded service for diners in First Class.
Amtrak provides different seating options such as Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. In Coach Class, you can enjoy spacious reclining seats, while Business Class offers larger seats with extra legroom and complimentary beverages. If you're traveling in First Class, you'll enjoy gourmet meal services, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges at some stations. Make sure to book in advance, as seats can fill up quickly on this popular route.
Upon arriving in San Francisco, you'll likely arrive at the Embarcadero Station. It's important to know that there aren’t luggage storage facilities at this station, but restrooms are available. To reach the city center quickly, take the MUNI Metro (Line T or Line N) from the Embarcadero Station. Both lines offer a swift ride to key downtown areas, and bus lines 8 and 12 also run frequently from the station. For further assistance, visit Muni's website at sfmta.com
🛫 Traveling from Denver to San Francisco by plane is a convenient and efficient journey. The quickest direct flight between Denver Airport and San Francisco Airport takes just 2 hours and 35 minutes, allowing for a swift arrival on the West Coast. 🌉 Airlines such as Frontier, Southwest, and United offer flights from Denver to San Francisco, providing passengers with options to choose from. With multiple airlines servicing this route, travelers can select the one that best fits their schedule and preferences for the approximately 4-hour and 51-minute flight. 💸 Flight prices between San Francisco and Denver can range from $51 to $242, offering travelers flexibility in finding a fare that suits their budget. Whether for leisure or business, flying from the Mile High City to the Golden Gate City provides a quick and affordable mode of transportation.
Departure Point
Denver Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The journey from Denver to San Francisco by bus takes approximately 30 hours and 47 minutes with 3 transfers along the way. 🚌 Passengers can expect a long yet scenic bus ride through multiple states, covering a total distance of about 2300-2400 kilometers before arriving in vibrant San Francisco.
Departure Point
Denver Union Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When booking your bus tickets, consider using both Greyhound and Megabus to explore different travel times and prices; check their websites at greyhound.com and us.megabus.com for the latest schedules and ticket options.
• During your layover in Las Vegas, take the opportunity to explore the South Strip Transit Terminal; it's a quick ride to the Strip where you can grab food or take a brief stroll to see the sights before heading to your next bus.
• Upon arriving at the San Francisco Bus Station, be prepared for a busy environment; utilize the station map and signage to find your way to local transit options like Muni or BART for further travel around the city: sfmta.com

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Denver and San Francisco is approximately 1533.7 km by air and 2051.4 km by road. By plane, the typical travel time is 4 hours and 51 minutes, while by train, it takes around 33 hours and 51 minutes. If traveling by car, expect a journey of about 19 hours and 11 minutes, and by bus, the travel time would be approximately 32 hours and 25 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Denver to San Francisco is flying. It typically takes around 4 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $40 and $240.
The prices for a train ticket from Denver to San Francisco range from $60 to $381, providing travelers with different options depending on their budget. On the other hand, bus tickets from San Francisco to Denver can cost between $149 and $334.
To get from Denver to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the 2051.9 km distance. It takes about 19 hours and 11 minutes to drive from Denver to San Francisco. The prices for a car rental range from $230 to $340, depending on the rental agency and vehicle type.
To travel from Denver to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a bus, which takes around 32 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $140 to $340. Another option is to fly, which takes about 4 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $40 to $240. If you prefer a slower mode of transportation, you can also take a train, which takes approximately 33 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $60 to $390.
Yes, there is a direct link between Denver and San Francisco but not by train. Amtrak operates services from Denver to Richmond, and from there, you can transfer to another service that takes you to the Civic Center / UN Plaza in San Francisco. This journey takes approximately 33 hours and 51 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Denver to San Francisco, operated by Greyhound USA or Flixbus USA, which takes approximately 32 hours and 25 minutes.
The flight duration between Denver and San Francisco typically takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes. However, it is important to note that flight times can vary due to factors such as weather conditions and airline schedules. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $41 to $232, depending on various factors such as the time of booking, the airline, and any additional services or amenities included in the ticket.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Francisco, with over 835 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $74 per night, providing a range of choices to fit different budgets and preferences.