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San Francisco, CA, USA to Tucson, AZ, USA from $43: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Francisco to Tucson: 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.

$43 by trainBest price
1221 kmDistance
3h 56m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Tucson 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
3h  56m
Estimated price
$172-519
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
23h  59m
Estimated price
$43-353
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1221 km
Duration: 3h 56m

See more options

Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
6h  36m
Estimated price
$182-591
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
5h  49m
Estimated price
$182-344
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  26m
Estimated price
$194-590
Company
various
BART
Bus
Train
Average Duration
18h  56m
Estimated price
$1722-1723
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
21h  36m
Estimated price
$1724-1725
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
14h 
Estimated price
$1726-1727
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Tucson

The journey from the coastal elegance of San Francisco to the desert charm of Tucson offers you a striking contrast between vibrant city life and serene landscapes.

Best Neighbourhoods in Tucson

Tucson boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Downtown Tucson
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and street murals.
• A variety of restaurants featuring local cuisine.
Fourth Avenue
• Eclectic shops and boutiques that highlight local artisans.
• Lively atmosphere with frequent street festivals and events.
John McCain's Historic House District
• Charming architecture showcasing Tucson's rich history.
• Peaceful streets perfect for leisurely strolls.

Best Times To Visit Tucson's Attractions

Timing your visits to Tucson's attractions can elevate your experience, helping you avoid crowds and enjoy the richness of each location.

Saguaro National Park
Visit early mornings or late afternoons for cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Weekdays in the cooler months offer a quieter experience with abundant wildlife.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Go on weekdays to appreciate the peaceful ambiance and stunning architecture.

Tucson Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Tucson experiences a warm desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, ideal for outdoor adventures. The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the city's attractions.

Dining Recommendation

Experience the bold flavors of Tucson by indulging in a plate of carne asada tacos from El Charro Café, where traditional recipes blend with local ingredients. This dining experience presents a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere that invites you to savor the rich, spicy cuisine, contrasting sharply with the farm-to-table elegance often found in San Francisco.

San Francisco - Tucson operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Tucson (TUS)

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$5199-437
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Tucson (TUS)

Average Duration
3h 58m
Estimated price
$5195-5196

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 57m
Estimated price
$1724-432

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Tucson (TUS)

Average Duration
4h 1m
Estimated price
$5199-5191

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
1h 51m
Estimated price
$433-434

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Phoenix (PHX)

Average Duration
2h 3m
Estimated price
$1724-438
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Oakland to Los Angeles

Average Duration
12h 2m
Estimated price
$1943-5190

Train from Los Angeles to Tucson Amtrak Station

Average Duration
9h 28m
Estimated price
$1940-1729

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Tucson Amtrak Station

Average Duration
23h 59m
Estimated price
$43-353
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1-214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Merced Bus Stop

Average Duration
3h 45m
Estimated price
$1947-35380

Bus from Merced to Tucson

Average Duration
15h 35m
Estimated price
$1942-5199

Bus from San Francisco to Tucson

Average Duration
21h 36m
Estimated price
$1728-1729
Contact phone
+1-408-729-7885
Website
xedohoang.com

Bus from San José, CA to Chinatown Metro Station - Los Angeles, CA

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$1945-35350
Contact phone
+1-833-766-3553
Website
tufesainternacional.com

Bus from Merced to Tucson

Average Duration
15h 35m
Estimated price
$1722-5199

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Tucson 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 Tucson, spanning approximately 870 miles and offering breathtaking views along the way. Prepare for a journey filled with diverse landscapes, from the coastal beauty of California to the desert charm of Arizona. 💸 Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the flexible pricing options to reach Tucson from San Francisco by car, ranging from $150 to $230. Plan your trip accordingly to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities and ensure a smooth and enjoyable drive. ⏰ Set aside about 14 hours for the road trip adventure from San Francisco to Tucson, allowing for rest stops, sightseeing breaks, and potential traffic delays. Pack snacks, create a travel playlist, and get ready to experience the freedom and excitement of exploring the open road.
Average price
$150 - $230
🚆 Despite there being no direct train from San Francisco to Tucson, travelers can embark on a scenic journey with Amtrak, with layovers in Oakland and Los Angeles. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 23 hours and 59 minutes. 💸 Prices for the train trip from San Francisco to Tucson can range from $43 to $353, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget. With almost a full day of travel time, passengers have the opportunity to unwind and experience the charm of train travel while making their way to the heart of Arizona.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Tucson Amtrak Station
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Tucson is a convenient option with multiple airlines offering direct flights that take around 2 hours and 13 minutes. 💸 The ticket prices for flights between San Francisco and Tucson can range from $172 to $519, allowing travelers to find a fare that fits their budget for this approximately 4-hour flight.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Tucson Airport
🚌 Starting from San Francisco Bus Station, travelers will embark on a scenic bus journey to Tucson lasting approximately 21 hours and 36 minutes, with multiple transfers along the way. 💸 Ticket prices for the bus ride between San Francisco and Tucson can range from $90 to $179, providing an affordable and adventurous transportation option for those looking to explore the Southwest region of the United States.
Departure Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Arrival Point
Tucson station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Tucson is approximately 759 miles, but the road distance is about 870.3 miles. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 23 hours and 59 minutes to reach Tucson from San Francisco by train, 6 hours and 46 minutes by flying to Phoenix and then taking a bus, and 4 hours and 51 minutes by plane. If driving, it takes about 14 hours to reach San Francisco from Tucson, and about 19 hours and 46 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Tucson is to take BART and bus and train, with prices ranging from $60 to $250. This option takes approximately 18 hours and 57 minutes. However, the quickest option is to fly, which costs between $120 and $650 and takes around 4 hours and 51 minutes. These options provide a good balance between cost and time efficiency for travelers.
The prices for a train ticket from San Francisco to Tucson range from $43 to $353. For a bus ticket from Tucson to San Francisco, the prices range from $115 to $199. These prices can vary depending on factors such as the date of travel, the class of ticket, and any special promotions or discounts available. It is recommended to check with the specific train or bus service for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
To get from San Francisco to Tucson without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance is approximately 870 miles and it takes about 14 hours to reach Tucson from San Francisco by car. The prices for a one-way car rental vary from $150 to $230, depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
To travel from San Francisco to Tucson without a car, you have a few options. The fastest and most convenient option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 51 minutes. This is also the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $120 to $650. Alternatively, you can take a combination of BART, bus, and train, which takes around 18 hours and 57 minutes and costs $60 to $250. There is also a bus option available, which takes around 19 hours and 46 minutes and costs $110 to $200, or a train option that takes around 23 hours and 59 minutes and costs $40 to $360.
There is no direct train or bus link between San Francisco and Tucson. The train journey from San Francisco to Tucson requires transfers in Oakland and Los Angeles and takes approximately 23 hours and 59 minutes. The bus journey from San Francisco to Tucson also requires transfers, with a travel time of approximately 19 hours and 46 minutes. Both modes of transportation offer options for reaching Tucson, but they involve multiple stops and transfers along the way.
The flight between San Francisco and Tucson typically takes 2 hours and 11 minutes. The prices for this flight range from $128 to $610. The availability of different flight options and the time of booking may affect the cost. It is advisable to check with different airlines and compare prices to get the best deal.
There are numerous hotels available to stay near Tucson with over 579 options to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at $47 per night. With such a wide range of accommodations, travelers can find a suitable place to stay that fits their budget and preferences.

Trips from San Francisco