San Francisco, CA, USA to Helena, MT, USA from $90: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$90 - Train, BusBest price

1307 kmDistance

5h 45m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

The journey from San Francisco to Helena offers a vivid contrast between the dynamic urban life of the Bay Area and the serene, mountainous landscapes of Montana.

Best Neighbourhoods in Helena

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

Downtown Helena

• Historic architecture and vibrant local shops.

• A hub for art galleries and cultural events.

The Last Chance Gulch

• Scenic walking path with stunning views.

• Home to many popular restaurants and cafes.

Upper East Side

• Family-friendly atmosphere with spacious parks.

• Quiet streets lined with charming historic homes.

Best Times To Visit Helena's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Helena.

Montana State Capitol

Weekdays in the morning offer quieter tours and fewer visitors.

Helena Historic District

Visit during spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Reeder's Alley

Early mornings or weekdays provide a peaceful stroll through history.

Helena Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Helena experiences a semi-arid climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, making late spring and early fall the most enjoyable seasons to visit. Weather influences your travel experience significantly, as summer brings outdoor activities while winter offers charming snowy landscapes for winter sports.

Dining Recommendation in Helena

Try the bison burger at the Blackfoot River Brewing Company, which showcases local ingredients and a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with San Francisco's urban dining scene. The robust flavors of Montana beef paired with craft beer provide a rustic comfort that’s a refreshing change from the fine dining options in the Bay Area.

San Francisco - Helena operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Helena, 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 to Helena

Average Duration

6h 8m

Estimated price

$6233-6234

Plane from Oakland to Helena

Average Duration

6h 1m

Estimated price

$6235-22980

Plane from San Jose to Helena

Average Duration

6h 52m

Estimated price

$6236-6237

Plane from Oakland to Butte

Average Duration

5h 7m

Estimated price

$6238-6239

Plane from San Francisco to Missoula

Average Duration

4h 21m

Estimated price

$6238-900

Plane from San Francisco to Helena

Average Duration

6h 35m

Estimated price

$229-623

Website

delta.com

Plane from San Francisco to Helena

Average Duration

6h 8m

Estimated price

$6233-6234

Plane from Oakland to Helena

Average Duration

6h 1m

Estimated price

$6235-22980

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco to Helena

Average Duration

6h 19m

Estimated price

$901-6237

Plane from Oakland to Helena

Average Duration

8h 19m

Estimated price

$902-903

Plane from San Jose to Helena

Average Duration

5h 29m

Estimated price

$904-905

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Oakland to Portland

Average Duration

18h 13m

Estimated price

$5639-906

Train from Portland to Shelby Amtrak Station

Average Duration

17h 35m

Estimated price

$5639-906

Train from Sacramento to Portland

Average Duration

15h 51m

Estimated price

$5631-5632

Train from Oakland to Seattle

Average Duration

22h 24m

Estimated price

$3014-3015

Train from Seattle to Shelby Amtrak Station

Average Duration

17h 25m

Estimated price

$8240-6233

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$909-5630

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Sacramento

Average Duration

2h 5m

Estimated price

$5630-5633

Contact phone

+1 406-470-0727

Website

northern.rural-transit.com

Bus from Shelby Amtrak Station to Great Falls Transfer Center

Average Duration

2h 10m

Estimated price

$8241-0

Bus from Shelby Transit Center to Great Falls Transfer Center

Average Duration

Estimated price

$8241-0

Contact phone

+1 208-656-8824

Website

saltlakeexpress.com

Bus from Great Falls Transfer Center to Helena, MT

Average Duration

1h 45m

Estimated price

$5631-56300

all-pages.other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1-406-498-9713

Other from Butte to Helena

Average Duration

1h 7m

Estimated price

$56300-8242

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Helena 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 Helena, covering a distance of 1105 miles. The journey promises stunning landscapes and diverse terrains along the way. 💰 Prices for the drive vary between $200 to $290, offering flexibility for different budget preferences. Plan your trip wisely to make the most of your travel experience while staying within your budget. ⏰ Prepare for a thrilling 18-hour and 22-minute drive, ensuring plenty of time for rest stops, meals, and enjoying the beauty of the journey. With proper planning and a spirit of adventure, the road trip from San Francisco to Helena will be a memorable experience.

Average price

$200 - $290

🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Helena involves taking a connecting flight, as there are no direct options available. The journey typically takes around 5 hours and 36 minutes with one stopover. 🌄 Airlines such as Southwest, Alaska, Delta, and United operate flights between San Francisco Airport and Helena Airport. The total duration of the trip, including layovers, is approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between Helena and San Francisco can range from $229 to $623, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability. Overall, the trip offers a convenient way to travel from the Bay Area to the picturesque landscapes of Montana.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Helena Airport. The quickest flight takes 5h 36m and has one stopover

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Helena is 812 miles, or 1105.2 miles by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a train and then a bus, the journey from San Francisco to Helena takes approximately 44 hours and 10 minutes. By plane, the travel time is much shorter at around 6 hours and 32 minutes. Driving from Helena to San Francisco takes around 18 hours and 22 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Helena is by train and bus, with prices ranging from $85 to $600. However, this option takes the longest time, approximately 44 hours and 10 minutes. On the other hand, the quickest way to reach Helena is by flying, which takes about 6 hours and 32 minutes and costs between $230 and $700. Therefore, if time is of the essence, flying would be the most time-efficient option, but it is important to consider the budget as well.

To travel from San Francisco to Helena without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 1105 miles. The journey by car typically takes around 18 hours and 22 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can expect to spend around $200 - $290 on gas and tolls for the trip.

If you want to travel from San Francisco to Helena without a car, the best option is to take a combination of train and bus. This journey takes approximately 44 hours and 10 minutes, with fares usually ranging between $85 and $600. Alternatively, you can also opt to fly, which takes significantly less time at around 6 hours and 32 minutes. However, keep in mind that flying comes at a higher cost.

The flight time between San Francisco and Helena with one stopover is approximately 5 hours and 28 minutes. However, it is important to note that there is no direct flight between the two cities. The cost of a flight between Helena and San Francisco can vary, with prices ranging from $239 to $673, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.

There are several options for accommodation near Helena. There are over 35 hotels available in the area, ranging in price starting from $43 per night. Some popular hotel options in Helena include the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel, the Comfort Suites Helena, and the Holiday Inn Helena. Additionally, there are also options for bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and vacation rentals available in the area.

San Francisco, CA, USA to Helena, MT, USA from $90: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From San Francisco to Helena

Best Neighbourhoods in Helena

Best Times To Visit Helena's Attractions

Helena Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Helena

San Francisco - Helena operators

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

Frequently asked questions

Trips from San Francisco

Trips to Helena

Popular routes