Boston, MA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $97: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$97 - PlaneBest price

2708.5 kmDistance

8h 11m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

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Traveling From Boston to San Francisco

The journey from Boston to San Francisco presents a delightful contrast between Boston's rich historical backdrop and San Francisco's stunning coastal scenery and vibrant tech culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and attractions.

Mission District

• Known for vibrant street art and murals.

• Excellent food scene with diverse cuisine.

Chinatown

• One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns outside Asia.

• Unique shops and authentic dim sum experiences.

Haight-Ashbury

• Famous for its counterculture history and music scene.

• Eclectic boutiques and vintage shops await exploration.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits to popular attractions in San Francisco can enhance your experience greatly.

Golden Gate Bridge

Visit early in the morning to enjoy stunning views without crowds.

Alcatraz Island

Book a morning or late afternoon tour for fewer tourists.

Fisherman's Wharf

Explore in the early weekday mornings for a quieter experience.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with cool summers and wet winters, making layers essential. The best times to visit are typically from September to November when the weather is warm and the fog is less prevalent, enhancing your sightseeing experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Try the Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf, a fresh and flavorful dish that showcases San Francisco's bounty from the Pacific Ocean. The vibrant atmosphere of the wharf, combined with the sweet, briny taste of local seafood, offers a striking contrast to Boston's classic clam chowder experience.

Boston - San Francisco operators

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

Plane Show flights

Website

delta.com

Plane from Boston to San Francisco

Average Duration

7h 11m

Estimated price

$180-340

Plane from Boston to Oakland via Salt Lake City

Average Duration

9h 17m

Estimated price

$220-400

Plane from Boston to Oakland via Los Angeles

Average Duration

10h 20m

Estimated price

$230-400

Plane from Boston to San Jose via Salt Lake City

Average Duration

8h 57m

Estimated price

$210-380

Plane from Boston to San Jose via Minneapolis

Average Duration

8h 45m

Estimated price

$210-380

Plane from Boston to San Jose via Los Angeles

Average Duration

10h 54m

Estimated price

$220-380

Plane from Boston to Sacramento via Salt Lake City

Average Duration

8h 50m

Estimated price

$270-500

Plane from Boston to Sacramento via Minneapolis

Average Duration

8h 57m

Estimated price

$270-500

Plane from Boston to Sacramento via Las Vegas

Average Duration

10h 14m

Estimated price

$280-500

Website

united.com

Plane from Boston to San Francisco

Average Duration

6h 45m

Estimated price

$160-410

Plane from Boston to San Francisco via Denver

Average Duration

8h 46m

Estimated price

$160-410

Plane from Boston to San Jose via Denver

Average Duration

9h 15m

Estimated price

$130-600

Plane from Provincetown to San Francisco via Boston, Denver

Average Duration

10h 33m

Estimated price

$240-750

Plane from Boston to Sacramento via Denver

Average Duration

8h 53m

Estimated price

$140-1100

Website

jetblue.com

Plane from Boston to San Francisco

Average Duration

6h 49m

Estimated price

$130-500

Plane from Boston to Oakland via Las Vegas

Average Duration

11h 20m

Estimated price

$130-600

Plane from Boston to San Jose

Average Duration

6h 41m

Estimated price

$220-650

Plane from Provincetown to San Francisco via Boston

Average Duration

10h 20m

Estimated price

$600-1000

Plane from Provincetown to San Francisco via Hyannis, Boston

Average Duration

15h 55m

Estimated price

$600-1000

Plane from Provincetown to San Francisco via Hyannis, New York JFK

Average Duration

16h 3m

Estimated price

$600-1000

Plane from Boston to Sacramento

Average Duration

6h 30m

Estimated price

$200-1100

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from Boston to San Francisco

Average Duration

6h 56m

Estimated price

$180-500

Website

suncountry.com

Plane from Boston to Oakland via Minneapolis

Average Duration

9h 19m

Estimated price

$200-600

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Boston to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

22h 22m

Estimated price

$40-300

Train from Chicago Union Station to Richmond

Average Duration

48h 3m

Estimated price

$100-650

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Train from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$6-10

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Boston to Port Authority Bus Terminal

Average Duration

4h 20m

Estimated price

$23-65

Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to St Louis Bus Station

Average Duration

23h

Estimated price

$110-210

Bus from St Louis Bus Station to Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal

Average Duration

34h 30m

Estimated price

$170-320

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration

7h 30m

Estimated price

$30-80

Contact phone

1-800-343-9999

Website

peterpanbus.com

Bus from South Station, Boston, MA to Port Authority Bus Terminal

Average Duration

4h 20m

Estimated price

$5-70

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

Traveling between Boston 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 cross-country journey from historic Boston to vibrant San Francisco, covering 3124 miles of diverse landscapes and compelling sights along the way. 🛣️ Travel through ever-changing scenery, from the bustling city streets of the East Coast to the rugged beauty of the Midwest, before reaching the seaside charm of the West Coast in around 2 days of driving. ⛽ Discover the flexibility of road tripping as you explore the best of America at your own pace, with costs ranging from $550 to $850 for an unforgettable adventure from one iconic city to another.

Average price

$550 - $850

🚆 Embark on a scenic cross-country train journey from Boston to San Francisco! While there is no direct train route, you'll travel through iconic cities like Chicago and Richmond, with a total travel time of approximately 3 days and 4 hours. 💰 Ticket prices for the Boston to San Francisco train ride can range from $147 to $954, depending on your preferences and class of service. Immerse yourself in the romance of train travel and create lasting memories on this unforgettable transcontinental adventure.

Departure Point

Boston station

Arrival Point

Richmond station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard Services: Amtrak is the primary operator for this route. They offer a variety of catering services on board, including the Café Car, where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. You'll find options like sandwiches, salads, and hot coffee. Additionally, if you're in a sleeper car, an attendant will bring meals to your compartment as part of your fare.

• Seating Options: Amtrak provides several seating options for your trip. In the Regional routes, you can choose from: Economy Class (standard seating with limited recline), Business Class (more comfortable seating with additional legroom), and First Class (which includes spacious seating and complimentary meals). Be sure to book early to secure the best option based on your preference!

• Arrival Station Tip: You will arrive at the San Francisco station, which is the Transbay Transit Center. While there is no direct luggage storage available at this station, you can use nearby facilities or consider luggage storage services like LuggageHero in the area. The station has clean restrooms, but no showers. To navigate, follow the signs to the Muni Light Rail or Bus services.

• Fastest Way to City Center: From the Transbay Transit Center, the quickest way to reach downtown San Francisco is by taking the Muni Bus. The 5, 7, and 8 buses all connect directly to popular city areas. Alternatively, you can catch the T Line Muni Metro light rail, which provides an easy route to the financial district and Union Square.

🛫 Flying from Boston to San Francisco is a convenient and efficient travel option, with the quickest direct flight taking just 6 hours and 41 minutes. ✈️ Passengers have several airline options for this route, including Alaska Airlines, Inc., Delta, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines, providing a range of choices for travelers' preferences. The flight duration typically ranges around 8 hours and 11 minutes for this cross-country journey. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between San Francisco and Boston can vary from $120 to $428, offering flexibility for travelers to find a fare that fits their budget and schedule.

Departure Point

Boston Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🌉 The bus services, operated by Greyhound USA, will take you across the country, passing through iconic cities like St. Louis and Las Vegas before reaching the final destination of San Francisco. The total travel time by bus from Boston to San Francisco is approximately 3 days and 7 hours.

Departure Point

Boston station

Arrival Point

San Francisco Bus Station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Make sure to check the schedules and plan your transfers when traveling through major hubs like the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and the St Louis Bus Station; you can find up-to-date information on Greyhound's website here.

• While transiting in Las Vegas, don’t miss the chance to explore the area for a few hours; the Greyhound station is at 200 S Main St, which is close to the Fremont Street Experience—a great place for dining and entertainment.

• Upon arrival at the San Francisco Bus Station, be prepared to navigate the station, which is located at 200 Folsom St; utilize the Muni transit options readily available outside to reach various parts of the city, including links to BART for easier access to the Bay Area, and check the current schedules on the SFMTA website here.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Boston and San Francisco is 2709 miles by air. The typical travel time by plane is 8 hours and 7 minutes. Trains are also an option, taking approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes if you fly from Boston to Sacramento and then take a train to San Francisco. The road distance is 3124 miles, and the travel time by car or bus would depend on factors such as traffic and rest stops along the way.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Boston to San Francisco is to fly. Flying takes approximately 8 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $110-$410. Another cost-effective option is to fly and take BART, which takes 9 hours and 47 minutes and costs $90-$350. Both options provide a relatively quick and convenient way to travel between the two cities.

The prices for a train ticket from Boston to San Francisco can range from $147 to $954. On the other hand, a bus ticket from San Francisco to Boston can cost anywhere between $346 and $766. These prices may vary depending on the time of travel, the class of ticket chosen, and any promotional offers or discounts available. It is recommended to check with the specific transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

To travel from Boston to San Francisco without using public transportation, you have the option to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 3124 miles, and it takes around 2 days of continuous driving to reach San Francisco from Boston. The cost of the trip by car can vary, ranging from $550 to $850, considering factors such as fuel expenses and accommodation along the way.

To travel from Boston to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a combination of bus and train. This route takes approximately 2 days and 23 hours and costs between $110 and $850. Another option is to fly, which takes 8 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $110 and $410. Train travel is also possible, but takes longer at 3 days and 4 hours, with costs ranging from $140 to $1,000. Lastly, you could opt for a bus journey, which takes 3 days and 6 hours and costs between $340 and $800.

There is no direct train or bus link between Boston and San Francisco. The train journey takes approximately 3 days and 4 hours with transfers in Chicago Union Station and Richmond. Similarly, the bus journey takes approximately 3 days and 6 hours with transfers in New York Port Authority, St Louis Bus Station, and Los Angeles Downtown. It is recommended to consider flying or driving as they can offer shorter travel times between the two cities.

The flight duration between Boston and San Francisco is approximately 6 hours and 37 minutes for a direct flight. The cost of a flight between the two cities typically ranges from $110 to $407, depending on factors such as the airline and time of booking. It's important to note that prices may vary and it's advisable to check with airlines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Francisco. You can choose from over 835 hotels, with prices starting at $74 per night. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel or a luxurious stay, you'll be able to find something that suits your needs. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and get the best deals.

Boston, MA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $97: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Boston to San Francisco

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Boston - San Francisco operators

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

Useful tips for train travellers

Useful tips for bus travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Boston

Trips to San Francisco

Popular routes