Philadelphia, PA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $98: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$98 - Train + FlightBest price

4653 kmDistance

8h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Philadelphia 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.

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Philadelphia - San Francisco operators

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

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

6h 24m

Estimated price

$985-988

Plane from Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

6h 35m

Estimated price

$1249-3285

Plane from New York JFK to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

6h 48m

Estimated price

$1241-988

Website

united.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

6h 34m

Estimated price

$981-3289

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Francisco (SFO) via Denver

Average Duration

8h 13m

Estimated price

$981-3289

Plane from Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

6h 25m

Estimated price

$982-3287

Website

delta.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to San Francisco (SFO) via Minneapolis

Average Duration

9h 2m

Estimated price

$3284-3280

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to Oakland (OAK) via Salt Lake City

Average Duration

8h 14m

Estimated price

$3288-983

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Philadelphia to St Louis Bus Station

Average Duration

20h 40m

Estimated price

$1213-3286

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

Average Duration

34h 30m

Estimated price

$985-986

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration

7h 30m

Estimated price

$13650-1364

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from 30th Street Station to BWI Thurgood Marshall

Average Duration

1h 18m

Estimated price

$13650-987

Train from 30th Street Station to New York Penn Station

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$3592-136590

Train from 30th Street Station to Washington Union Station

Average Duration

1h 44m

Estimated price

$13655-696320

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from 30th Street Station to Newark Liberty International Airport

Average Duration

1h 2m

Estimated price

$1365-6969

Train from 30th Street Station to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

26h 45m

Estimated price

$69630-136510

Train from Rockville Amtrak to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

17h 16m

Estimated price

$13650-980

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

Traveling between Philadelphia 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 epic road trip from Philadelphia to San Francisco covering 2891 miles of diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic mountains and deserts. 💰 Explore the flexibility of pricing options, ranging from $500 to $800 for the journey by car, allowing for budget-friendly or more luxurious travel choices.

Average price

$500 - $800

🌉 The train services, operated by Amtrak Acela, will take you from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia to Richmond station. The trip will involve multiple transfers and a total travel time of approximately 3 days and 2 hours. 💰 Ticket prices for the train between Philadelphia and San Francisco range from $142 to $1316, offering different levels of comfort and amenities for passengers to choose from.

Departure Point

30th Street Station

Arrival Point

Richmond station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard services vary by operator. Amtrak, the primary service provider, offers a dining car with a selection of meals and snacks available for purchase. They also provide an extensive menu for pre-ordering meals if you're traveling in a sleeper car. Make sure to check if you're in the Acela Express, which has a more upscale dining experience compared to typical long-haul trains.

• Amtrak primarily operates this route, offering different seating options. In Business Class, you can expect more spacious seating and complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. The Economy Class offers comfortable seating, while First Class is usually available in their sleeper cars, providing private accommodations and full access to dining services. Check Amtrak's website at amtrak.com for availability.

• Upon arriving at San Francisco's Caltrain station, be prepared for a quick transition to the city. You can leave your luggage at the station's luggage storage service (if available, check their website for confirmation) and use the restroom facilities. San Francisco's public transit system is right at your doorstep; catch the Muni Metro's N Judah line from the Embarcadero station nearby. The journey to downtown takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

🛫 Experience a convenient and efficient journey from Philadelphia to San Francisco with a direct flight lasting approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes. American, Delta, United, and Southwest Airlines provide various options for travelers departing from Philadelphia Airport to San Francisco Airport. 🌉 Upon arrival in San Francisco, revel in the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge and diverse culture of the city after a flight duration of 8 hours and 21 minutes from Philadelphia. Whether it's for business or leisure, the flight provides a seamless connection between the East Coast and the West Coast. 💸 Depending on the airline and time of booking, flight ticket prices range between $124 to $328 for the journey between San Francisco and Philadelphia. Enjoy a hassle-free travel experience and explore the iconic sights awaiting you in the vibrant city of San Francisco.

Departure Point

Philadelphia Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🚌 Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from Philadelphia to San Francisco, but you can take a route that includes stops at St Louis Bus Station, Las Vegas Amtrak Bus Stop, and Bakersfield Train Station. The total journey time, with transfers, is approximately 2 days 23 hours.

Departure Point

Philadelphia station

Arrival Point

San Francisco Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Philadelphia and San Francisco is approximately 4074.9 km or 4652.6 km by car. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, the travel time is not provided. By train and flying combination, it takes approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes. By plane, it takes around 8 hours and 9 minutes. By car, it takes about 44 hours and 50 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Philadelphia to San Francisco is to fly. Flying usually costs between $100 and $280 and takes approximately 8 hours and 9 minutes.

The prices for traveling from Philadelphia to San Francisco vary depending on the mode of transportation. The train prices range from $142 to $1316, while the bus prices range from $331 to $682.

To travel from Philadelphia to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 4652.6 km, and it takes around 44 hours and 50 minutes to drive. However, it is important to note that driving such a long distance can be expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $800 for fuel and potential accommodation along the way.

The best way to travel from Philadelphia to San Francisco without a car is by flying. It takes approximately 8 hours and 9 minutes and costs $110-$290. Another option is to take a bus, which takes 2 days and 23 hours, and costs $330-$700. Additionally, you can consider taking a train via Washington, which takes around 3 days and 2 hours, with prices ranging from $140-$1,400.

There is no direct train or bus link between Philadelphia and San Francisco. The train journey from Philadelphia to San Francisco would take approximately 3 days and 2 hours, including transfers. The bus journey would take approximately 2 days and 23 hours, also including transfers.

The flight between Philadelphia and San Francisco typically takes around 6 hours and 8 minutes. However, it's important to note that flight durations can vary based on factors such as weather conditions and airport congestion. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $114 to $288, depending on various factors including the date of travel and the airline chosen.

There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a variety of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in San Francisco start at around $74 per night, offering affordable options for those looking to explore the city.