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San Francisco, CA, USA to Salem, OR, USA from $31: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Francisco to Salem: 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.

$31 by trainBest price
803 kmDistance
4h 26m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Salem 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
Bus
Average Duration
5h  24m
Estimated price
$106-390
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
18h  9m
Estimated price
$31-223
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 803 km
Duration: 4h 26m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  30m
Estimated price
$106-359
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  22m
Estimated price
$128-381
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  26m
Estimated price
$133-1330
Company
various
BART
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
6h  42m
Estimated price
$1060-1061
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
15h  40m
Estimated price
$1064-1065
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
10h  1m
Estimated price
$1066-1067

Traveling From San Francisco to Salem

Travel from the vibrant cultural landscape of San Francisco to the charming, historic streets of Salem for a refreshing contrast between urban energy and quaint New England charm.

Best Neighborhoods in Salem

Salem boasts diverse neighborhoods each offering a distinct charm and experience.

Downtown Salem
• Home to the Salem Witch Museum.
• Features excellent dining and shopping options.
Salem's Historic District
• Showcases stunning 17th-century architecture.
• Offers guided tours of historic sites.
The Point
• Known for its picturesque waterfront views.
• Great access to parks and outdoor activities.

Best Times To Visit Salem's Attractions

Planning your visit to Salem's attractions can enhance your experience and reduce wait times.

Salem Witch Museum
Visiting on weekdays during off-peak hours offers a quieter experience.
The House of the Seven Gables
Early morning visits provide a serene atmosphere and fewer crowds.
Peabody Essex Museum
Late afternoon on weekdays often sees lighter traffic and more leisurely exploration.

Salem Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Salem experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters, making spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) the ideal times for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. The climate can influence your travel plans, impacting outdoor activities and festival experiences.

Dining Recommendation

Try the famous New England clam chowder at Naumkeag Ordinary, where the rustic atmosphere and hearty flavors provide a comforting contrast to San Francisco’s eclectic culinary scene. The use of locally sourced seafood and traditional recipes brings a taste of the region's history to your table, offering a unique dining experience.

San Francisco - Salem operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Salem, 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
flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Salem Amtrak Station Bus Platform

Average Duration
15h 40m
Estimated price
$1064-1065
Website
pacificcrestbuslines.com

Bus from Pdx to Salem Amtrak/Greyhound

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$2235-1068
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Oakland to Salem

Average Duration
16h 40m
Estimated price
$3904-3905
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$317-318
Plane Show flights
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Portland (PDX)

Average Duration
1h 49m
Estimated price
$3906-3907
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Oakland to Portland (PDX)

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$3909-313
Website
united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Eugene (EUG)

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$3908-312
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 888-846-4183
Website
oregon-point.com

Other from Hayward Field to Salem Amtrak Station Bus Platform

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$2239-1280

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Salem 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 up the Pacific Northwest coast to Salem covering a distance of 594 miles. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of choosing between different price ranges, with the cost of driving from San Francisco to Salem by car typically ranging from $100 to $160. 🌲 Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes and charming towns along the way, making the approximately 10-hour journey an adventure to remember.
Average price
$100 - $160
🚆 The trip from San Francisco to Salem by train involves a transfer at Oakland. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 18 hours and 9 minutes. 💰 Prices for the train from San Francisco to Salem range from $31 to $223, providing a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the Pacific Northwest by rail.
Departure Point
Oakland station
Arrival Point
Salem station
🛫 Flying from San Francisco Airport to Portland Airport in Oregon is a quick and convenient option for travelers heading to Salem. The direct flight only takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Portland Airport
🌉 The journey from San Francisco to Salem via bus will take approximately 15 hours and 40 minutes, including transfers at Sacramento and Hayward Field. 💵 Ticket prices for the bus trip from San Francisco to Salem range from $66 to $199. Plan your budget accordingly for this long-distance journey.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
Salem Amtrak Station Bus Platform

Frequently asked questions

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

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Francisco and Salem is 499 miles. By train, it takes approximately 18 hours and 9 minutes to travel between the two cities. If you choose to fly from Oakland to Portland first and then take a bus, the travel time is approximately 5 hours and 22 minutes. By car, it takes about 10 hours and 1 minute to drive from Salem to San Francisco, while taking a bus can take around 17 hours and 43 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Salem is by train, with prices ranging from $30-$230. However, this mode of transportation takes 18 hours and 9 minutes. If time efficiency is a priority, the fastest option is to fly from Oakland to Portland and then take a bus to Salem. This journey takes 5 hours and 22 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $120-$370.
The prices for train tickets between San Francisco and Salem can range from $31 to $223, depending on the class of service and time of booking. Similarly, the prices for bus tickets between Salem and San Francisco vary from $72 to $208, also depending on factors such as the type of bus and the time of travel. It is advisable to book in advance and compare prices from different providers to find the best deals for your preferred mode of transportation.
To travel from San Francisco to Salem without using public transportation, your best option would be to rent a car or drive your own vehicle. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 594 miles, and it takes around 10 hours and 1 minute to complete the journey. The cost of renting a car varies, but you can expect prices ranging from $100 to $160 for the trip.
To travel from San Francisco to Salem without a car, the best option is to take the bus. The journey takes approximately 17 hours and 43 minutes and the cost ranges from $70 to $210. There are several bus companies that operate this route, providing a convenient and affordable way to reach Salem from San Francisco.
No, there is no direct link between San Francisco and Salem. To travel by train, you would need to transfer in Oakland and the journey would take approximately 18 hours and 9 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly from Oakland to Portland and then take a bus to Salem, with a total travel time of around 5 hours and 22 minutes. By car, the journey from San Francisco to Salem takes about 10 hours and 1 minute. If you prefer traveling by bus, the journey would take approximately 17 hours and 43 minutes with transfers involved.
The flight between San Francisco and Salem typically involves a layover in Portland. The quickest flight is a direct flight from Oakland Airport to Portland Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. As for the cost, it can vary depending on factors such as the time of year and how far in advance the ticket is booked. Generally, the cost of a round-trip ticket for this route can range from around $200 to $500.
There are many options for accommodations near Salem over 55 hotels available in the area, you'll have a variety of choices to suit your preferences and budget. Prices start at $49 per night, making it affordable for a range of travelers. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel, a budget-friendly motel a cozy bed and breakfast, you'll be able to find a suitable place to stay near Salem.

Trips from San Francisco