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Portland, OR, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $33: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Portland, United States
to
San Francisco, United States

How to Get from Portland 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.

$33 by trainBest price
867.66 kmDistance
3h 46m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Portland 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
3h  46m
Estimated price
$86-364
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
19h  7m
Estimated price
$33-233
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 867.66 km
Duration: 3h 46m

See more options

Company
FlixBus USA
Bus
Average Duration
16h  10m
Estimated price
$59-192
Company
various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
3h  53m
Estimated price
$108-354
Company
various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
5h  14m
Estimated price
$110-336
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
10h  50m
Estimated price
$110-170
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Portland to San Francisco

The journey from Portland to San Francisco offers a striking contrast, with Portland's lush, green landscapes giving way to San Francisco's iconic hills and coastal vistas.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to a diverse array of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its unique charm.

Mission District
• Famous for its vibrant street art.
• Offers a wide variety of culinary delights.
Fisherman's Wharf
• Known for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere.
• Great spot for sea lion watching.
Haight-Ashbury
• Rich in 1960s counterculture history.
• Boutique shops and eclectic cafes abound.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits to San Francisco's major attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early morning visits offer stunning views with fewer tourists and clearer skies.
Alcatraz Island
Booking tickets for the first ferry of the day provides a quieter exploration.
Chinatown
Weekday mornings are ideal for fewer crowds and a better dining experience.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a Mediterranean climate with cool summers and mild winters, making visits pleasant year-round; however, summer fog can influence visibility. Planning your trip during the fall months often offers the best weather and clearer views, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Indulge in the seafood cioppino at Fisherman’s Wharf, where the rich flavors of this Italian-American stew showcase the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. This dining experience contrasts with Portland's farm-to-table ethos, providing a vibrant atmosphere steeped in maritime history and a taste of fresh, local ingredients from the bay.

Portland - San Francisco operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 52m
Estimated price
$90-420

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 46m
Estimated price
$110-420

Plane from Portland (PDX) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$140-380
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 48m
Estimated price
$65-550
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$110-380

Plane from Portland (PDX) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
$100-360
Website
united.com

Plane from Portland (PDX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$110-480
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Portland to Oakland

Average Duration
18h 32m
Estimated price
$30-230
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Coliseum to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
24m
Estimated price
$3-5

Train from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$6-10
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Portland Curbside Bus Stop to Sacramento

Average Duration
12h 55m
Estimated price
$45-150

Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$10-45

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

Traveling between Portland 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 a scenic road trip from Portland to San Francisco, covering 1026.8 km through beautiful landscapes and charming towns. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of car travel with prices ranging from $110 to $170 for the journey, offering budget-friendly options for every traveler. 📍 Explore the dynamic cities of Portland and San Francisco at your own pace, with a driving time of approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes, making for a memorable West Coast adventure.
Average price
$110 - $170
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Portland to San Francisco with a total travel time of approximately 19 hours and 7 minutes, including transfers. 🌉 The route involves two transfers, first on the Train Coast Starlight from Portland Union Station to Davis, and then on the Train Capitol Corridor from Davis to Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak. 💸 Ticket prices for this unique train adventure can range from $33 to $233, offering a convenient and comfortable way to explore the distance of 1202.2 km between the two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Portland station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary depending on the operator. Amtrak offers a food service along the route that includes a cafe car where you can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages, including local wines. Be sure to check the schedule for when the cafe car will be open, as it may vary.
• For your journey, Amtrak provides three main seating options: Business Class, which offers more spacious seating and amenities; Coach Class (Economy), which is the most economical option with comfortable seats; and, in some cases, First Class with additional perks. Consider Business Class for a more relaxed experience, especially on a longer route.
• The main operators on the Portland to San Francisco route are Amtrak (amtrak.com) and possibly a regional service by Greyhound (greyhound.com). Be sure to verify the schedules and services available on each website.
🛫 Flying from Portland to San Francisco is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 47 minutes. Airlines like Frontier, United, and Alaska offer regular flights between the two cities. ✈️ Travelers can expect a total flying time of 3 hours and 46 minutes to reach San Francisco from Portland. 💸 Prices for flights between Portland and San Francisco can range from $86 to $364, offering travelers a variety of options based on their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Portland Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Traveling from Portland to San Francisco by bus requires a transfer in Sacramento. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 16 hours and 10 minutes. 🌉 The route from Portland to San Francisco spans a distance of 1112.1 km and involves two bus transfers. The first step is a 13-hour and 35-minute ride on a bus from Portland to Sacramento, operated by Greyhound. 🎫 Prices for the bus between San Francisco and Portland can range from $59 to $192. Overall, the trip offers a scenic and cost-effective way to travel between these West Coast cities.
Departure Point
Portland Curbside Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Portland and San Francisco is approximately 867.4 km by air. If traveling by train, it takes around 19 hours and 7 minutes to reach San Francisco from Portland. Alternatively, taking a night bus followed by a train can take approximately 16 hours and 44 minutes. Driving by car from San Francisco to Portland takes approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Portland to San Francisco is by train, which ranges from $30 to $240 and takes approximately 19 hours and 7 minutes. However, if you are looking for a more time-efficient option, flying is the quickest mode of transportation, taking only 3 hours and 42 minutes and costing between $75 and $370.
The prices for a train ticket between Portland and San Francisco range from $33 to $233, depending on the type of ticket and class. If you choose to travel by bus, the prices vary from $76 to $181.
To travel from Portland to San Francisco without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 1026.8 km and it takes around 10 hours and 50 minutes to complete the journey by car. The prices for a one-way trip by car can vary between $110 and $170.
To travel from Portland to San Francisco without a car, your best options are to take a bus or a plane. The bus journey takes approximately 16 hours and 35 minutes, with tickets costing between $75 and $190. Alternatively, you can fly, which will get you there in just 3 hours and 42 minutes, but tickets can range from $75 to $370. Another possibility is taking the train, however, this option is slightly longer, with a travel time of 19 hours and 7 minutes, and ticket prices ranging from $30 to $240.
There is no direct train or bus link between Portland and San Francisco. However, there are options available with transfers. By train, the journey takes approximately 19 hours and 7 minutes, with transfers at Lake Merritt. By bus, the journey takes approximately 16 hours and 35 minutes, with transfers at Sacramento Bus Station.
The flight between Portland and San Francisco usually takes 1 hour and 43 minutes on a direct flight. The cost of flights between these two cities can vary, ranging from $76 to $364, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodations available near San Francisco, with over 835 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $74, providing a range of options to suit different budgets.