Riverside, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $32: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$32 by trainBest price

700 kmDistance

5h 33m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Riverside 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 Riverside to San Francisco

The journey from Riverside to San Francisco showcases the stark contrast between Riverside's sunny, laid-back atmosphere and San Francisco's vibrant, bustling urban life.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco offers a diverse selection of neighborhoods, each with its own charm.

Mission District

• Known for vibrant street art and murals.

• A hub for trendy eateries and cafes.

Fisherman’s Wharf

• Famous for fresh seafood and stunning bay views.

• Home to lively street performers and attractions.

Chinatown

• The largest Chinatown outside Asia.

• Rich in cultural shops and authentic dining options.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Maximize your San Francisco experience by timing your visits to popular spots right.

Golden Gate Bridge

Early mornings or late afternoons offer breathtaking views and fewer tourists.

Alcatraz Island

Midweek visits avoid the weekend crowds, allowing for a more serene experience.

Lombard Street

Visit in the early morning to enjoy the twisty road without crowds.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco features a mild maritime climate, with cool summers and foggy winters, making layers a must for your wardrobe. The best times to visit are in the fall and spring, when the weather is generally pleasant, enhancing your enjoyment of outdoor activities.

Dining Recommendation

Experience the iconic Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf, where fresh seafood meets vibrant bay views, a stark departure from Riverside's more traditional fare. This coastal delicacy, paired with the lively atmosphere of the wharf, highlights a culinary scene rich in local ingredients and flavors you won’t find back home.

Riverside - San Francisco operators

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

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://flixbus.com

Bus from San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$2106-2693

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$21095-2692

Contact phone

+1 (214) 849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration

8h 10m

Estimated price

$2693-323

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

(800) 371-LINK (5465)

Website

https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from Riverside-Downtown station to Tustin station

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$2101-2102

Train from San Bernardino - Downtown station to Rancho Cucamonga station

Average Duration

26m

Estimated price

$2107-2108

Train from Riverside-Downtown station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$660-2693

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Los Angeles to Oakland

Average Duration

11h 15m

Estimated price

$6659-2694

Plane Show flights

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$320-321

Website

united.com

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 39m

Estimated price

$2698-327

Plane from Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$328-329

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$320-26930

Website

spirit.com

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$2100-360

Website

flyfrontier.com

Plane from Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$2100-320

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

Traveling between Riverside 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 Riverside to San Francisco covering a distance of 435 miles, promising picturesque views along the way. 💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options starting from $75, with prices varying up to $120 for a smooth journey to the vibrant city of San Francisco. 🌉 Revel in a 7-hour, 12-minute car ride filled with adventure and discovery as you make your way from Riverside to San Francisco, exploring the beauty of California's diverse landscapes.

Average price

$75 - $120

🚂 Traveling from Riverside to San Francisco by train involves a scenic journey with a transfer in Los Angeles and Oakland. The total travel time is approximately 14 hours and 22 minutes. 🚉 The prices for a train ticket from Riverside to San Francisco range from $32 to $210, offering a comfortable and convenient transportation option for this long-distance trip.

Departure Point

Riverside-Downtown station

Arrival Point

Oakland station

Useful tips for train travellers

• On your train trip from Riverside to San Francisco, consider Amtrak as a primary operator. They offer onboard catering services that include a café car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Their menu often features a selection of sandwiches, salads, and hot meals, perfect for enjoying during your journey.

• You have several seating options when traveling with Amtrak on this route. The standard offerings include Coach Class, which provides comfortable seating at an economical price, and Business Class, offering larger seats with more legroom and quieter cars. First Class is not available on this particular route, making Business Class your best option if you seek additional comfort.

• Upon arrival at the San Francisco station (known as the Salesforce Transit Center), you can easily navigate by following the signs to local transport options. There is no luggage storage available at the station, but you will find restrooms and food options on-site. For transferring to the city center, the quickest option is to take the Muni Metro; simply hop on the T Line towards Chinatown, which will get you to the downtown area in about 10 to 15 minutes.

🛫 Flying from Riverside to San Francisco is a convenient and efficient way to travel, with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 25 minutes from Santa Ana Airport to San Francisco Airport. Alaska Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines are the primary carriers offering flights on this route.

Departure Point

Santa Ana Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🚌 While there is no direct bus route from Riverside to San Francisco travelers can take a bus that departs from Riverside and arrives in San Francisco via Los Angeles Downtown. The journey, which includes transfers, typically lasts around 10 hours and 5 minutes. 🚌 Prices for a bus ticket between San Francisco and Riverside range from $39 to $134, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to travel conveniently and affordably within the state. Travelers can enjoy the scenic views along the way while making their way from Riverside to the bustling city of San Francisco.

Departure Point

San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center station

Arrival Point

San Francisco station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Riverside and San Francisco is approximately 388 miles. By train, the typical travel time is 14 hours and 22 minutes. Another option is to take a train to Santa Ana and then fly to San Francisco, which usually takes around 5 hours and 32 minutes. By car, it takes about 7 hours and 12 minutes to travel from Riverside to San Francisco, while taking a bus usually takes around 10 hours and 5 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Riverside to San Francisco is by bus, which typically costs between $35 and $140 and takes approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the quickest option would be to take a combination of bus, train, and flight, which usually takes around 5 hours and 29 minutes and costs between $60 and $260. Ultimately, the choice between the two options depends on personal preferences and budget constraints.

When traveling from Riverside to San Francisco the prices of a train ticket can range from $32 to $210. The prices of a bus ticket between San Francisco and Riverside can vary from $39 to $134. These prices may vary based on factors such as the class of service, time of travel, and availability. It is advisable to check with the respective train or bus companies for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

To travel from Riverside to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 435 miles, and it takes around 7 hours and 12 minutes to reach San Francisco by car. Depending on the gas prices and the vehicle you are using, the cost of driving from Riverside to San Francisco can range from $75 to $120.

To travel from Riverside to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes and can cost between $35 and $140. Buses provide a convenient and affordable mode of transportation between these two cities, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

There is no direct train or bus link between Riverside and San Francisco. The train journey takes approximately 14h 22m with transfers at Los Angeles and Lake Merritt. The bus journey takes around 10h 5m with transfers at Los Angeles Downtown. Both modes of transportation offer convenient routes for travelers looking to reach San Francisco from Riverside.

The flight from Riverside to San Francisco typically takes 1 hour and 25 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability. It is recommended to check with different airlines or online travel agencies to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

There are plenty of options for accommodations near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels available, you can find a range of options to fit your budget and preferences. Prices start at $74 per night, so there are choices for those looking for more affordable options as well as higher-end luxury accommodations. From boutique hotels to well-known chains, there is something for everyone looking to stay in or around San Francisco.

Riverside, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $32: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Riverside to San Francisco

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation

Riverside - San Francisco operators

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

Useful tips for train travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Riverside

Trips to San Francisco

Popular routes