Vancouver to San Francisco, CA from $103: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Vancouver to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$103 - PlaneBest price
1280.6 kmDistance
5h 19m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Vancouver 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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Traveling From Vancouver to San Francisco
As you travel from Vancouver's serene, nature-infused landscape to San Francisco's bustling urban vibe, you’ll encounter a vibrant mix of cultures, stunning views, and diverse activities waiting to be explored.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and culture.
Mission District
• Known for vibrant street art and murals.
• Offers a variety of trendy restaurants and cafes.
Chinatown
• One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns outside Asia.
• Features authentic shops and delicious dim sum.
Haight-Ashbury
• Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement.
• Eclectic shops and vintage boutiques line the streets.
Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions
Timing your visits can significantly enhance your San Francisco experience.
Golden Gate Bridge
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer tourists and stunning light.
Alcatraz Island
Book a morning tour to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Explore on weekdays, especially in the early hours, for a more relaxed experience.
San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Francisco boasts a cool-summer Mediterranean climate, with foggy mornings giving way to sunny afternoons, particularly between late summer and early fall. Understanding the weather patterns can help you pack appropriately and plan activities to enjoy the city’s best sights comfortably.
Dining in San Francisco: A Culinary Journey
You can’t visit San Francisco without trying the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, a dish that showcases the city’s coastal seafood heritage and unique bread-making tradition. This experience contrasts with Vancouver’s Pacific Northwest cuisine by offering a distinct blend of flavors and a lively waterfront atmosphere that brings the meal to life.
Vancouver - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Vancouver and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
4h 12mEstimated price
$180-700Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to Oakland (OAK)
Average Duration
4h 38mEstimated price
$190-600Website
united.com
Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
2h 26mEstimated price
$140-650Website
aircanada.com
Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
2h 26mEstimated price
$140-650Website
southwest.com
Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to Oakland (OAK)
Average Duration
3h 55mEstimated price
$160-470Website
westjet.com
Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
2h 29mEstimated price
$160-750Website
delta.com
Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
2h 29mEstimated price
$160-750Website
flyflair.com
Plane from Vancouver (YVR) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
2h 35mEstimated price
$100-460Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Vancouver to Everett Amtrak Station
Average Duration
3h 19mEstimated price
$5-85Train from Seattle to Oakland
Average Duration
23h 4mEstimated price
$35-280Contact phone
1.800.665.2122Website
quickcoach.com
Bus from River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond to Bellingham Airport
Average Duration
1h 45mEstimated price
$25-35Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Bus from Vancouver to Seattle
Average Duration
3h 45mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Seattle Bus Station to Sacramento
Average Duration
16h 10mEstimated price
$60-190Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco
Average Duration
2h 15mEstimated price
$10-45Vancouver to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Vancouver 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.
🚗 Experience the breathtaking road trip from Vancouver to San Francisco, covering a distance of 955 miles. Admire the diverse landscapes and scenic views along the way, from lush forests to coastal highways.
💸 Discover budget-friendly options with car trip prices ranging from C$284 to C$432, offering flexibility for different travel budgets. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and the excitement of exploring new cities at your own pace.
🌉 Arrive in vibrant San Francisco after approximately 16 hours and 33 minutes of driving, ready to explore iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf. Immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and eclectic neighborhoods.
Average price
C$291 - C$443
Useful tips for train travellers
• On board your train from Vancouver to San Francisco, you can expect limited catering services depending on the operator. For example, Amtrak typically offers a café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals for purchase. Check for seasonal menus and pre-order options if available, particularly if you have dietary restrictions.
• The main operators on this route include Amtrak (amtrak.com) and VIA Rail Canada (viarail.ca). Amtrak provides different seating options: Business Class, which has larger seats, complementary beverages, and quieter surroundings, and Economy Class, featuring standard seating and access to the café car.
• Upon arrival at the San Francisco station (Embarcadero Station), restrooms are available, and you may find luggage storage facilities nearby for a nominal fee. To navigate the city center quickly, use the Muni Metro Lite Rail lines; the T line is the fastest to the downtown area. Alternatively, consider taking the historic F-Market streetcar for a scenic ride home.
🛫 Traveling from Vancouver to San Francisco by plane is a convenient and efficient option. The quickest direct flight between Vancouver Airport and San Francisco Airport takes just 2 hours and 25 minutes.
🌉 Several airlines such as WestJet, Flair Airlines, and Air Canada provide flights from Vancouver to San Francisco. The total flight duration typically ranges around 5 hours and 19 minutes, offering a smooth and comfortable journey across the border.
💸 The prices for flights between Vancouver and San Francisco can vary, with fares typically ranging from C$150 to C$561.
Departure Point
Vancouver Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The trip from Vancouver to San Francisco by bus involves multiple transfers and takes approximately 24 hours and 15 minutes, with stops in Seattle and Sacramento along the way.
🌉 Routes vary in distance and duration, with options such as a 1,662 km journey with 2 transfers through Seattle and Sacramento, or a 1,691 km route also with 2 transfers but with an additional stop at Daly City BART Station.
Departure Point
Vancouver station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be prepared for your journey to take around 24 hours 15 minutes with two transfers: Vancouver to Seattle on Greyhound, and Seattle to Sacramento, followed by Sacramento to San Francisco, which can make for a long day, so pack snacks, entertainment, and a comfortable travel pillow.
• During your stop in Seattle, the Seattle Bus Station is centrally located; consider taking a short break to explore the local area—Pike Place Market is just a few blocks away and offers numerous dining options.
• When you arrive at the San Francisco Caltrain station, be prepared to navigate towards public transport options; the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is accessible from the nearby Daly City BART station, and it's highly recommended for taking you to downtown San Francisco quickly and affordably.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Vancouver to San Francisco.
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The distance between Vancouver and San Francisco is approximately 801 miles by air or 955 miles by road. Typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. It takes approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes to fly, 29 hours and 4 minutes by train, 6 hours and 51 minutes by bus and then flying, and 16 hours and 33 minutes by car to reach San Francisco from Vancouver. The travel time from San Francisco to Vancouver is approximately 26 hours and 50 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Vancouver to San Francisco is by train, which ranges in price from C$54 to C$515. Although it takes 29 hours and 4 minutes, it tends to be the cheapest choice. On the other hand, the quickest way to reach San Francisco is by flying, which takes only 5 hours and 19 minutes, but the cost ranges from C$149 to C$542. Both modes of transportation offer different trade-offs between cost and time efficiency.
The prices for a train ticket between Vancouver and San Francisco vary depending on the class of service and the time of booking. Prices can range from C$60 to C$508. It's recommended to book in advance and compare different options to find the best price for your travel needs.
To get from Vancouver to San Francisco without public transportation, you can drive the distance of 955 miles. The drive takes approximately 16 hours and 33 minutes. Prices for renting a car and driving to San Francisco can range from C$284 to C$434.
The best way to travel from Vancouver to San Francisco without a car is by taking a flight. This option is the fastest, with a travel time of approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes. The cost for a flight ranges from C$149 to C$542. Alternatively, you can also choose to take a bus, which takes around 26 hours and 50 minutes and is typically a more affordable option. Another option is to take a train, which takes approximately 29 hours and 4 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from C$54 to C$515.
There is no direct train or bus link between Vancouver and San Francisco. However, you can travel from Vancouver to San Francisco by train with a journey time of approximately 29 hours and 4 minutes, including transfers in Seattle and Oakland. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Vancouver to San Francisco with a journey time of around 26 hours and 50 minutes, involving transfers in Seattle and Sacramento.
The flight between Vancouver and San Francisco typically takes 2 hours and 25 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary between C$150 and C$535. It is recommended to check with different airlines and book in advance to get the best deals.
There are numerous options for accommodations near San Francisco, with over 835 hotels available. Prices for hotels in the area start at C$100 and vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and time of year. Some popular areas to consider staying in include downtown San Francisco and Union Square, each offering a range of hotels to cater to different budgets and preferences. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices and reviews to find the best option for your stay.
Trips from Vancouver
- Vancouver to Surrey
- Vancouver to Bellingham
- Vancouver to Prince Rupert
- Vancouver to Abbotsford
- Vancouver to Tacoma
- Vancouver to Revelstoke
- Vancouver to Banff
- Vancouver to Chicago
- Vancouver to Lake Louise
- Vancouver to Kelowna
- Vancouver to Campbell River
- Vancouver to Kamloops
- Vancouver to San Diego
- Vancouver to Squamish
- Vancouver to Winnipeg
- Vancouver to Spokane
- Vancouver to Portland
- Vancouver to Victoria
- Vancouver to Penticton
- Vancouver to Montreal
- Vancouver to Seattle
- Vancouver to Ontario
- Vancouver to Yellowknife
- Vancouver to Denver
- Vancouver to Ottawa
- Vancouver to Calgary
- Vancouver to Las Vegas
- Vancouver to Miami
- Vancouver to Nanaimo
- Vancouver to Whistler
- Vancouver to Sacramento
- Vancouver to Vancouver
- Vancouver to Atlanta
- Vancouver to Jasper
- Vancouver to Los Angeles
- Vancouver to Tofino
- Vancouver to Niagara Falls
- Vancouver to London
- Vancouver to Abu Dhabi
- Vancouver to VANCOUVER ISLAND
Trips to San Francisco
- Palo Alto to San Francisco
- Santa Rosa to San Francisco
- Davis to San Francisco
- Stockton to San Francisco
- Las Vegas to San Francisco
- Irvine to San Francisco
- Santa Cruz to San Francisco
- Sacramento to San Francisco
- Modesto to San Francisco
- Fresno to San Francisco
- Vallejo to San Francisco
- Dallas to San Francisco
- Santa Clara to San Francisco
- Santa Barbara to San Francisco
- San Diego to San Francisco
- New York City to San Francisco
- Ontario to San Francisco
- Portland to San Francisco
- Seattle to San Francisco
- San Bernardino to San Francisco
- Redding to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Chicago to San Francisco
- Houston to San Francisco
- Atlanta to San Francisco
- Tampa to San Francisco
- Toronto to San Francisco
- San Jose to San Francisco
- Sequoia National Park to San Francisco
- Berkeley to San Francisco
- Charlotte to San Francisco
- Reno to San Francisco
- Anaheim to San Francisco
- Napa to San Francisco
- Big Sur to San Francisco
- Indianapolis to San Francisco
- Alameda to San Francisco
- Beijing to San Francisco
- Honolulu to San Francisco
- Lake Tahoe to San Francisco