Houston, TX, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $89: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Houston to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$89 by trainBest price
2659 kmDistance
6h 40m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Houston 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.
Houston - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Houston and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
united.com
Plane from Houston (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
4h 22mEstimated price
$4729-894Plane from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
4h 18mEstimated price
$895-47250Website
southwest.com
Plane from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to Oakland (OAK)
Average Duration
4h 20mEstimated price
$4726-4727Plane from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
4h 15mEstimated price
$4729-4727Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Houston to Los Angeles
Average Duration
36h 40mEstimated price
$8985-61850Train from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
11h 15mEstimated price
$1925-4729Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Train from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza
Average Duration
1h 5mEstimated price
$898-899Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from Santa Clara Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northbound
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$1927-6183Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Houston Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
33h 10mEstimated price
$4729-4721Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco
Average Duration
9hEstimated price
$61805-61830Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco
Average Duration
9hEstimated price
$61805-61830Contact phone
+1 888 358 6762Website
tornadobus.com
Bus from Houston Airline Dr to El Paso
Average Duration
14h 35mEstimated price
$61860-897Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553Website
tufesainternacional.com
Bus from El Paso Downtown to Tucson
Average Duration
5hEstimated price
$1929-6140Houston to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Houston 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 the vibrant city of Houston to the iconic streets of San Francisco covering a distance of 1937 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes and charming small towns along the way.
💰 Experience the flexibility and adventure of a car trip with prices ranging from $350 to $550 for the trip from Houston to San Francisco. Pack your favorite snacks, create the perfect playlist, and make unforgettable memories on this cross-country drive.
🌉 Arrive in the picturesque city of San Francisco after approximately 30 hours of driving. Explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and indulge in delicious seafood at Fisherman's Wharf. The journey may be long, but the memories created will last a lifetime.
Average price
$350 - $550
🌉 The route covers a distance of 2,074 miles and involves 3 transfers. From Houston, board the Sunset Limited to Union Station in Los Angeles, then continue on the Pacific Surfliner to San Luis Obispo, and finally take the Coast Starlight to San Jose before a short ride on Caltrain to San Francisco.
💰 Prices for the train journey vary from $89 to $618. With a total travel time of approximately 2 days and 1 hour, this trip offers a unique way to explore the diverse landscapes between Texas and California while enjoying the comfort of train travel.
Departure Point
Houston station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary depending on the train operator you choose. Amtrak offers a 'Café Car' where you can purchase snacks, meals, and beverages. Some services also provide complimentary meals in First Class accommodation, especially on longer routes. Be sure to check meal times and any special menu options or dietary accommodations.
• For your journey from Houston to San Francisco, Amtrak is the primary operator, and it provides different seating options: Roomette (for 1-2 people, private, includes meals), Suite (upgrade from Roomette), Business Class (more spacious seats and complimentary snacks), and Coach Class (standard seating). Consider Roomette for added privacy and comfort, especially on this long trip.
• Upon arrival at the San Francisco train station (Emeryville station), you'll find luggage storage services available through Amtrak, so you can explore the city without your bags. However, there are no showers or dedicated restrooms outside of the train platforms. Keep in mind to plan your arrival time, as the station can become busy.
🛫 Flying from Houston to San Francisco is a convenient and efficient travel option. The quickest direct flight takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes, making it a relatively short journey.
💸 Flight prices between Houston and San Francisco can range from $94 to $472, providing travelers with some flexibility in choosing the best option that fits their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Houston Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Embark on an epic bus journey from Houston to San Francisco! Although there's no direct route, multiple transfers make for an approximately 44-hour adventure.
🛣️ Route options vary, with distances ranging from 1,862 to 2,080 miles. Expect 2 transfers along the way, including stops in cities like Los Angeles and Dallas, adding a layer of discovery to your trip.
💰 Prices for this scenic ride can range from $207 to $431, offering budget-friendly travel for those seeking a unique cross-country experience by bus.
Departure Point
Houston Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Houston to San Francisco.
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The distance between Houston and San Francisco is approximately 2658.6 km by air and 3117.5 km by road. The typical travel time by plane is about 6 hours and 43 minutes, while it takes around 9 hours and 44 minutes by train and plane. If driving, it would take approximately 30 hours and 2 minutes to reach San Francisco from Houston, and by bus, the travel time extends to around 43 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option to travel from Houston to San Francisco is by flying. It takes approximately 6 hours and 43 minutes to reach San Francisco by plane and the cost ranges from $130 to $480. Another cost-effective option is to fly to Sacramento from Houston and then take a train to San Francisco, which takes around 9 hours and 44 minutes and can cost between $45 and $500.
The prices for traveling from Houston to San Francisco by train can range from $89 to $618. If you prefer taking a bus, the prices can vary from $206 to $430.
To travel from Houston to San Francisco without using public transportation, your best option would be to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 3117.3 km, and it takes about 30 hours and 2 minutes to drive. The cost of the trip by car can vary, with prices ranging from $350 to $550, depending on factors such as fuel consumption and toll fees.
If you're looking to travel from Houston to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a combination of bus and Caltrain. This journey typically takes around 41 hours and 36 minutes and costs between $300 and $650. Another option is to fly, which takes about 6 hours and 43 minutes, with prices ranging from $130 to $480. If you have more time and don't mind a longer journey, you can also consider taking a bus, which takes about 43 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $200 and $430. However, if you prefer a more leisurely and scenic option, you can take the train, which can take up to 2 days and 1 hour and costs between $85 and $650.
Yes, there is no direct train or bus link between Houston and San Francisco. However, you can travel by train from Houston to San Francisco with transfers, which takes approximately 2 days and 1 hour. Another option is taking a bus from Houston to San Francisco with transfers, which takes approximately 43 hours and 10 minutes.
The flight duration between Houston Hobby Apt Airport and San Francisco is approximately 4 hours on a direct flight. However, the cost of the flight can vary between $132 and $475, depending on factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the class of service.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, you'll have a wide range of choices to suit your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at $74 per night, depending on the location and amenities.