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Denver, CO, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $60: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Denver to San Francisco: 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.

$60 by trainBest price
1533.52 kmDistance
4h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Denver 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.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  51m
Estimated price
$51-242
Recommended
route map
Distance: 1533.52 km
Duration: 4h 51m

See more options

Company
Greyhound USA & Amtrak
Bus
Average Duration
30h  47m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
33h  52m
Estimated price
$60-381
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  26m
Estimated price
$80-344
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  10m
Estimated price
$98-382
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
19h  11m
Estimated price
$230-340
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  29m
Estimated price
$244-512
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Traveling From Denver to San Francisco

The journey from Denver, where the serene Rocky Mountains meet a vibrant city life, to San Francisco, known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and eclectic cultural scene, presents you with a striking contrast in landscapes and experiences.

Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct atmospheres and experiences.

Mission District
• Known for vibrant street art and murals
• Offers some of the best Mexican food
Chinatown
• One of the largest Chinatowns outside Asia
• Great for exploring unique shops and restaurants
North Beach
• Renowned for its Italian heritage and eateries
• Close to iconic landmarks like Coit Tower

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visit to San Francisco's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or late afternoons offer stunning views with fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Weekdays and off-peak seasons provide a more peaceful experience.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Visit during the early hours to enjoy fresh seafood and avoid crowds.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco experiences a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool summers and foggy winters, making layers essential for your visit. The best times to explore are typically from September to November when temperatures are pleasant, and the fog is less prevalent, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

While Denver delights in hearty mountain fare, you can't miss the chance to savor the fresh Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf, a San Francisco staple that showcases the city's coastal bounty. This dining experience contrasts with Denver's culinary scene, offering a vibrant atmosphere infused with the salty sea air and an emphasis on local, seasonal seafood that truly reflects the Bay Area's unique flavor profile.

Denver - San Francisco operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$130-390

Plane from Denver (DEN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
$130-450

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 37m
Estimated price
$260-370
Website
united.com

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 49m
Estimated price
$100-460

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 43m
Estimated price
$170-350
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from Denver (DEN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 58m
Estimated price
$40-220
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Denver to Richmond

Average Duration
32h 54m
Estimated price
$55-380
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Denver Union Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration
15h 30m
Estimated price
$80-170

Bus from Las Vegas Amtrak Bus Stop to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
5h 47m
Estimated price
$0-0

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration
7h 30m
Estimated price
$30-80
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Other from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$6-10

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

Traveling between Denver 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 an epic road trip from Denver to San Francisco covering a distance of 1275 miles. Enjoy the picturesque drive through diverse landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the deserts of Nevada. 💰 Explore various budget-friendly options ranging from $230 to $340 to make the journey from Denver to San Francisco by car. Plan your route wisely and make pit stops at charming towns along the way to savor local cuisine and soak in the sights. 🌉 Finally, reach the vibrant city of San Francisco after approximately 19 hours of driving. Take in the iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman's Wharf, culminating your memorable road trip adventure.
Average price
$230 - $340
🌉 Enjoy a leisurely ride through the picturesque landscapes as you make your way to the vibrant city of San Francisco. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 33 hours and 52 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the train between Denver and San Francisco range from $60 to $381, offering a budget-friendly option for exploring the West Coast by rail.
Departure Point
Denver station
Arrival Point
Richmond station
Useful tips for train travellers
On your train trip from Denver to San Francisco, consider Amtrak as your primary operator. They offer several onboard catering services, including a Café Car with snacks, beverages, and light meals available for purchase. Additionally, Amtrak's dining service in the reserved seating areas provides complimentary meals for those in sleeping accommodations or an upgraded service for diners in First Class.
Amtrak provides different seating options such as Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. In Coach Class, you can enjoy spacious reclining seats, while Business Class offers larger seats with extra legroom and complimentary beverages. If you're traveling in First Class, you'll enjoy gourmet meal services, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges at some stations. Make sure to book in advance, as seats can fill up quickly on this popular route.
Upon arriving in San Francisco, you'll likely arrive at the Embarcadero Station. It's important to know that there aren’t luggage storage facilities at this station, but restrooms are available. To reach the city center quickly, take the MUNI Metro (Line T or Line N) from the Embarcadero Station. Both lines offer a swift ride to key downtown areas, and bus lines 8 and 12 also run frequently from the station. For further assistance, visit Muni's website at sfmta.com
🛫 Flying from Denver to San Francisco is a quick and convenient option with a direct flight that takes only 2 hours and 35 minutes. Popular airlines such as Frontier, Southwest, and United offer flights between these two cities. ✈️ The total duration of the flight from Denver Airport to San Francisco Airport is approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes. This allows travelers to enjoy a relatively short and efficient journey between the two vibrant cities. 💰 Prices for flights between Denver and San Francisco can vary, ranging from $51 to $242. With multiple airlines to choose from and relatively reasonable fares, flying is a popular choice for travelers making this trip out west.
Departure Point
Denver Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The journey from Denver to San Francisco by bus involves multiple transfers and takes approximately 30 hours and 47 minutes, with services operated by Greyhound USA. 🌉 Route 1 spans 1,451 miles with 3 transfers, including stops in Las Vegas, Anaheim, and Sacramento, offering a scenic cross-country adventure through various cities. 🏞️ Routes 2 and 3, while slightly shorter in distance at 1,436 and 1,413 miles respectively, also provide an exciting journey, passing through cities like Los Angeles before reaching the beautiful destination of San Francisco.
Departure Point
Denver Union Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When booking your bus tickets, consider using both Greyhound and Megabus to explore different travel times and prices; check their websites at greyhound.com and us.megabus.com for the latest schedules and ticket options.
• During your layover in Las Vegas, take the opportunity to explore the South Strip Transit Terminal; it's a quick ride to the Strip where you can grab food or take a brief stroll to see the sights before heading to your next bus.
• Upon arriving at the San Francisco Bus Station, be prepared for a busy environment; utilize the station map and signage to find your way to local transit options like Muni or BART for further travel around the city: sfmta.com

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Denver and San Francisco is approximately 953 miles by road. The road trip typically takes around 19 hours and 11 minutes. Alternatively, traveling by train takes around 33 hours and 51 minutes, while flying cuts the travel time down to just 4 hours and 51 minutes. Buses are another option, taking approximately 32 hours and 25 minutes to reach San Francisco from Denver.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Denver to San Francisco is by flying. This method typically takes 4 hours and 51 minutes and can cost between $40 and $240. Alternatively, traveling by train takes significantly longer, at 33 hours and 51 minutes, and driving by car takes around 19 hours and 11 minutes. Taking into consideration both time and cost, flying is the best option for traveling between Denver and San Francisco.
The prices for a train between Denver and San Francisco range from $60 to $381. On the other hand, the prices for a bus between San Francisco and Denver vary from $149 to $334. It is recommended to check with specific train and bus companies for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information, as prices may vary depending on factors such as departure time, seat selection, and availability.
To get from Denver to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The driving distance is around 1275 miles and it takes approximately 19 hours and 11 minutes. The cost of driving can vary, with prices typically ranging from $230 to $340 for gas and tolls.
To travel from Denver to San Francisco without a car, the best options are by bus or by plane. Taking a bus is the slower but more affordable option, with a travel time of 32 hours and 25 minutes and costs ranging from $140 to $340. Flying is the faster option, taking only 4 hours and 51 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $40 to $240. Alternatively, you could also consider taking a train, which takes 33 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $60 and $390.
Yes, there is a direct link between Denver and San Francisco; however, it is not available for all modes of transportation. There is no direct train from Denver to San Francisco, but there are train services that operate with transfers and take approximately 33 hours and 51 minutes. Similarly, there is no direct bus from Denver to San Francisco, but there are bus services that operate with transfers and take approximately 32 hours and 25 minutes. It is important to plan your journey accordingly, considering the duration and transfers involved.
The flight between Denver and San Francisco typically takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes. The duration may vary depending on the airline and specific flight. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $41 to $232, depending on factors such as the date of travel, time of booking, and availability of seats. It is advisable to compare prices and book in advance to get the best deals on flights between Denver and San Francisco.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Francisco. There are over 835 hotels available in the area, offering a wide range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices start at $74, making it possible to find affordable options for your stay. It is recommended to research and compare different hotels based on their location, amenities, and reviews to find the best fit for your needs.

Trips to San Francisco