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Seattle, WA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $40: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Seattle, United States of America
to
San Francisco, United States of America

How to Get from Seattle 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.

$40 by trainBest price
1307 kmDistance
4h 12m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Seattle 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  12m
Estimated price
$81-314
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
23h  39m
Estimated price
$40-276
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1307 km
Duration: 4h 12m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Subway
Average Duration
5h  43m
Estimated price
$70-810
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  17m
Estimated price
$73-315
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  29m
Estimated price
$123-449
Company
Flixbus USA
Bus
Average Duration
19h  25m
Estimated price
$811-812
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
13h  52m
Estimated price
$813-814
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Traveling From Seattle to San Francisco

The journey from Seattle to San Francisco offers a rich contrast between Seattle's lush greenery and sophisticated coffee culture and San Francisco's iconic hills, vibrant neighborhoods, and scenic waterfront.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Mission District
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
• Offers some of the city's best taquerias.
Nob Hill
• Features stunning views of the city skyline.
• Home to historic hotels and upscale dining.
Chinatown
• The largest Chinatown outside Asia.
• Rich in cultural experiences and delicious cuisine.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Maximize your experience in San Francisco by visiting attractions at the right times.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or weekdays offer stunning views with fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Book tours around 9 am to beat the afternoon rush.
Fisherman's Wharf
Visit in the early hours for a quieter ambiance and fresh catches.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco experiences a mild, Mediterranean climate, with cool summers and foggy winters, making layers essential for your visit. Spring and fall often provide the most pleasant weather, allowing you to fully enjoy the city's outdoor attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Try the Cioppino at Fisherman’s Wharf, a seafood stew brimming with fresh local catch and rich, tomato-based broth, which stands in contrast to Seattle’s focus on smoked salmon and Asian-inspired dishes. The lively waterfront atmosphere enhances your dining experience, with the sounds of the sea and bustling crowds adding a vibrant backdrop that's distinctly San Francisco.

Seattle - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Seattle 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 Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$70-819

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 8m
Estimated price
$3140-819

Plane from Everett (PAE) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 11m
Estimated price
$3141-3142
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$3145-3146

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 7m
Estimated price
$3147-3148
Website
delta.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 14m
Estimated price
$3149-400

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$3147-401
Website
united.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 17m
Estimated price
$3141-402
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Seattle to Oakland

Average Duration
23h 4m
Estimated price
$405-815
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Seattle Bus Station to Sacramento

Average Duration
16h 10m
Estimated price
$4030-409

Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$404-2760
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
$403-404

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

Traveling between Seattle 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 picturesque road trip from Seattle to San Francisco covering a distance of 812 miles. The journey promises stunning views of the Pacific Coastline and diverse landscapes along the way. 💰 Indulge in budget-friendly travel options with car prices ranging from $140 to $220 for the Seattle to San Francisco route. Enjoy the flexibility of a road trip while exploring charming towns and cities en route to your destination. ⏱️ Spend approximately 13 hours and 52 minutes on the road, immersing yourself in the scenic beauty of the West Coast. From lush forests to coastal cliffs, the drive offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Average price
$140 - $220
Useful tips for car travellers
• Plan your fuel stops along I-5 and US-101; gas prices typically range from $1.10 to $1.30 per liter in Washington and California, but prices can be higher in urban areas.
• While driving through California, be aware of the state's stricter traffic laws, including penalties for using your phone while driving; using a navigation app like Waze can help avoid congested areas and detours.
• Upon arriving in San Francisco, expect parking to range from $25 to $60 per day; look out for residential parking restrictions and street cleaning days to avoid fines.
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Seattle to San Francisco, although there is no direct route available. The trip, with transfers included, spans approximately 23 hours and 39 minutes, offering a unique travel experience through the beautiful West Coast landscape. 🌉 The route presents an adventure covering 917 miles, with two transfers along the way. Begin your journey on the Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Sacramento, followed by the Capitol Corridor train to Oakland. Finally, hop on the subway towards San Francisco, reaching your destination in a total travel time of 23 hours and 19 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for this train ride from Seattle to San Francisco range from $40 to $276, offering a budget-friendly option to explore the diverse scenery and vibrant culture of both cities. Enjoy the convenience of rail travel and the opportunity to witness the changing landscapes as you make your way from the Pacific Northwest to the Bay Area in California.
Departure Point
Seattle station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your train trip from Seattle to San Francisco, consider opting for Amtrak's Coast Starlight service. Onboard catering includes a Pacific Dining Car, offering meals that highlight local ingredients. There is also a café car for snacks and beverages, including coffee and wine options.
• Amtrak provides several seating options: First Class (often referred to as Sleeping Car accommodations), Business Class with more spacious seating, and Economy Class with basic seating. If you're looking for comfort, Business Class offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, while First Class offers a private room and meals with more extensive menu choices.
• Multiple operators service the Seattle to San Francisco route, with the primary being Amtrak (amtrak.com). Additionally, for regional services, consider looking into BoltBus (boltbus.com) for connection options to areas around San Francisco. You can also check Greyhound (greyhound.com) for broader public transportation options.
🛫 Experience a convenient and efficient journey from Seattle to San Francisco by taking a direct flight lasting just 2 hours and 9 minutes with airlines such as Delta, United Airlines, or Alaska Airlines, Inc. ✈️ Enjoy a relatively short travel time of 4 hours and 12 minutes to reach the vibrant city of San Francisco from Seattle, making it a quick and hassle-free option for your trip. 💸 With flight prices ranging from $81 to $314, you can choose a fare that suits your budget and embark on a seamless air travel experience from the Pacific Northwest to the Bay Area.
Departure Point
Seattle Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The journey from Seattle to San Francisco by bus involves a transfer in Sacramento and takes approximately 19 hours and 25 minutes. 🌉 Route 1: The total distance covered is 857 miles and it takes a day and 6 hours to reach San Francisco. The first step includes a bus towards Los Angeles departing from Seattle and arriving at the Sacramento Greyhound bus station.
Departure Point
Seattle Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Plan for the transfer at Sacramento Greyhound bus station; you will need to navigate between bus lines, so check the schedules in advance to minimize waiting times. Visit the website for Greyhound: greyhound.com
• Bring snacks and entertainment, as the total journey time is over 19 hours, and options may be limited at stops; packing your favorite snacks can make the ride more enjoyable.
• When arriving at the San Francisco station, familiarize yourself with the local BART system for seamless travel into the city; consider purchasing a Clipper card at the station for convenient access to public transport. For BART schedules and maps, go to: bart.gov

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Seattle and San Francisco is approximately 683 miles by air, 812 miles by road, and 22 hours by bus. Traveling by train takes around 23 hours and 39 minutes, while a flight between the two cities typically takes 4 hours and 6 minutes. If driving, it would take around 13 hours and 52 minutes to reach Seattle from San Francisco by car. These travel times may vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and other factors.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Seattle to San Francisco is by train, with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $280. Although it takes longer, at 23 hours and 39 minutes, it can be a more affordable choice. On the other hand, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $75 to $330.
The prices for a train between Seattle and San Francisco can range from $40 to $276, depending on the type of ticket and class chosen. On the other hand, bus fares between the two cities can vary from $95 to $213, depending on the bus company and amenities provided. It is important to book in advance to secure the best deals and prices for these modes of transportation.
To travel from Seattle to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive your own car. The driving distance is 812 miles, and it usually takes around 13 hours and 52 minutes to reach your destination. The cost of this trip can vary depending on factors like fuel prices and tolls, but it is estimated to be between $140 and $220.
To travel from Seattle to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a bus, which takes approximately 22 hours and costs between $95 and $220. Another option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 6 minutes and costs between $75 and $330. Alternatively, you can take a train, which takes about 23 hours and 39 minutes and costs between $40 and $280. Consider your priorities of cost, time, and comfort when choosing the most suitable mode of transportation.
There is no direct train or bus link between Seattle and San Francisco. The train journey, operated by Amtrak, takes approximately 23 hours and 39 minutes with transfers along the way. The bus journey, operated by Greyhound USA, takes around 22 hours with transfers as well. These options provide travelers with alternative transportation methods to reach their destination.
The flight between Seattle and San Francisco typically takes 2 hours and 3 minutes for a direct flight. However, this duration can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $76 to $324, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and class of service. It is recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the best deal for your travel needs.
There are plenty of options for accommodations near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels available, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices start at $74, ensuring that there are affordable options for travelers. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, visitors to San Francisco have a wide range of choices for their stay.

Trips from Seattle

Trips to San Francisco