San Francisco, CA, USA to Tijuana from $29: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$29 by trainBest price

769 kmDistance

4h 24m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Traveling from San Francisco to Tijuana offers a fascinating contrast between the bustling urban charm of the Bay Area and the vibrant, colorful culture of Mexican border life.

Best Neighbourhoods in Tijuana

Tijuana boasts vibrant neighborhoods that showcase its rich culture and charm.

Zona Rio

• Modern shopping malls and entertainment options

• Bustling nightlife with trendy bars and restaurants

Centro

• Historic sites like the Tijuana Cultural Center

• Unique street art and local artisan shops

Playas de Tijuana

• Scenic beach views with a laid-back atmosphere

• Variety of seafood restaurants along the coast

Best Times To Visit Tijuana's Attractions

Timing your visit to Tijuana's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Tijuana Cultural Center

Weekdays in the morning offer a quieter, more intimate experience.

Avenida Revolución

Visit during weekday afternoons to avoid the bustling weekend crowds.

Playas de Tijuana

Enjoy sunsets on weekdays for a serene beach atmosphere.

Tijuana Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Tijuana enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and cool, pleasant winters, making it a year-round destination. Understanding the seasonal weather patterns can help you plan your activities and clothing accordingly for a more enjoyable trip.

Dining Recommendation

For an unforgettable experience, try Tacos El Franc, where the vibrant street food scene offers a burst of flavors that are distinct from the refined culinary palette of San Francisco. The lively atmosphere, coupled with fresh local ingredients and traditional recipes, creates a dining experience that showcases the heart and soul of Tijuana's food culture.

San Francisco - Tijuana operators

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

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Tijuana

Average Duration

14h 35m

Estimated price

$750-751

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to San Diego

Average Duration

10h 55m

Estimated price

$290-755

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Train from Oakland to Los Angeles

Average Duration

12h 2m

Estimated price

$756-29220

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

$297-2884

Contact phone

+1 619-233-3004

Website

https://www.sdmts.com

Train from Old Town Station to San Ysidro Station

Average Duration

57m

Estimated price

$292-293

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

http://www.bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$295-2920

Plane Show flights

Website

southwest.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$2880-2881

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$754-2886

Website

united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 42m

Estimated price

$2882-7520

Website

flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$2889-2886

Website

spirit.com

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to San Diego (SAN)

Average Duration

1h 31m

Estimated price

$2889-300

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Tijuana 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 San Francisco to Tijuana, covering a distance of 523 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes and cities along the way. 💲 Explore budget-friendly options with prices ranging from $95 to $140 for the drive from San Francisco to Tijuana. Plan your trip efficiently to make the most of your travel budget. 🌮 Arrive in Tijuana after approximately 8 hours and 43 minutes of driving, ready to savor delicious Mexican cuisine, vibrant culture, and the unique charm of this border city.

Average price

$95 - $140

🚆 Embark on a picturesque train journey from San Francisco to Tijuana spanning a total travel time of 18 hours and 26 minutes. 💸 The cost of a train ticket for this route ranges from $29 to $263, offering flexibility for travelers with different budgets.

🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Tijuana is a convenient and time-efficient journey. The quickest flight option is a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to San Diego Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

San Diego Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Consider booking a direct flight from San Francisco to San Diego before making the easy 30-minute drive or shuttle ride across the border to Tijuana; this is generally more convenient and quicker than connecting flights.

• Upon arrival at Tijuana's General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport (TIJ), be prepared for potential long lines at customs; it’s advisable to have your immigration documents ready, and remember that you can use the express lane if you complete your FMM tourist form online in advance.

• Taxi services from Tijuana Airport to the city center cost around $25-$30; always confirm the estimated fare before starting your journey, and look for authorized taxi services instead of accepting rides from solicitors inside the airport.

🚌 The journey from San Francisco to Tijuana by bus is a direct route operated by Greyhound USA. Services run once daily, taking approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the San Francisco to Tijuana bus range from $55 to $130, offering an affordable and convenient transportation option for those looking to explore Mexico from the Bay Area.

Departure Point

San Francisco Bus Station

Arrival Point

Tijuana station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Tijuana is approximately 478 miles by air. If you choose to travel by train, it would take around 18 hours and 26 minutes. Taking a combination of flying and tram would take approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. By car, the travel time would be around 8 hours and 43 minutes, and by bus, it would take approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes.

The most cost-effective method to travel from San Francisco to Tijuana is by taking a night bus, which typically costs around $45-$160. This option will take approximately 14 hours and 34 minutes. For a more time-efficient option, flying to Tijuana and then taking a tram is the best choice, with a travel time of around 4 hours and 24 minutes at a cost of $65-$290. These options provide a range of choices depending on individual preferences and budget.

The price range for a train ticket between San Francisco and Tijuana is $29 to $263. For a bus ticket from Tijuana to San Francisco, the prices can range from $55 to $130. These prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of travel, availability, and the class of service chosen. It is recommended to check with specific transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

To travel from San Francisco to Tijuana without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The road distance is approximately 523 miles, and it takes around 8 hours and 43 minutes to drive from San Francisco to Tijuana. The cost of driving varies, but it typically ranges from $95 to $140, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.

To travel from San Francisco to Tijuana without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes and tickets range from $55 to $130. This is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between the two cities, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and Tijuana. Greyhound USA operates a daily bus service from San Francisco Bus Station to Tijuana, with a travel time of approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes. Passengers can board the bus at the San Francisco Bus Station and disembark at Tijuana station. This is a convenient option for those looking to travel between the two cities without needing to transfer or switch modes of transportation.

The flight time between San Francisco and Tijuana is typically around 1 hour and 25 minutes. This is for a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to San Diego Airport, which is the closest airport to Tijuana. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, but typically, flight prices range from $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket.

There are numerous accommodation options available near Tijuana with over 406 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $54 per night, providing a range of choices to suit different budgets. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or luxurious resorts, Tijuana offers a variety of accommodations to meet your needs. You can research and book hotels online or contact a travel agency to assist you in finding the perfect place to stay in Tijuana.

San Francisco, CA, USA to Tijuana from $29: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From San Francisco to Tijuana

Best Neighbourhoods in Tijuana

Best Times To Visit Tijuana's Attractions

Tijuana Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation

San Francisco - Tijuana operators

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

Useful tips for plane travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from San Francisco

Trips to Tijuana

Popular routes