Houston, TX, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $89: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Houston to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$89 by trainBest price
2659 kmDistance
6h 40m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Houston 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 Houston to San Francisco
The journey from Houston to San Francisco offers you a striking contrast between the bustling Southern charm of Houston and the iconic coastal vibes and diverse culture of San Francisco.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.
Mission District
• Renowned for its colorful murals.
• Offers exceptional dining options, particularly Mexican cuisine.
North Beach
• Known as the city's Little Italy.
• Features iconic landmarks like Coit Tower.
Haight-Ashbury
• Famous for its historic hippie culture.
• Home to vintage shops and eclectic boutiques.
Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions
Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or late afternoons provide breathtaking views with fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Booking the first ferry of the day helps avoid long lines and crowds.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Midweek visits are ideal, as weekends tend to draw larger crowds.
San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Francisco enjoys a mild climate characterized by cool summers and foggy winters, with the best times to visit being late spring and early fall when temperatures are pleasant. Understanding the weather patterns can greatly enhance your travel experience, from layering for chilly evenings to planning outdoor activities during the sunniest months.
Dining Recommendation in San Francisco
For a taste that contrasts with Houston's hearty BBQ, try the fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, particularly the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. This experience showcases San Francisco’s vibrant coastal influence, bringing you flavorful dishes made with local ingredients in a lively atmosphere that celebrates the bay's maritime heritage.
Houston - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Houston and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
united.com
Plane from Houston (IAH) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
4h 22mEstimated price
$4729-894Plane from Houston (IAH) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
4h 18mEstimated price
$895-47250Website
southwest.com
Plane from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to Oakland (OAK)
Average Duration
4h 20mEstimated price
$4726-4727Plane from Houston Hobby Apt (HOU) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
4h 15mEstimated price
$4729-4727Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Houston to Los Angeles
Average Duration
36h 40mEstimated price
$8985-61850Train from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
11h 15mEstimated price
$1925-4729Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Train from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza
Average Duration
1h 5mEstimated price
$898-899Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from Santa Clara Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northbound
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$1927-6183Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Houston Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
33h 10mEstimated price
$4729-4721Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco
Average Duration
9hEstimated price
$61805-61830Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco
Average Duration
9hEstimated price
$61805-61830Contact phone
+1 888 358 6762Website
tornadobus.com
Bus from Houston Airline Dr to El Paso
Average Duration
14h 35mEstimated price
$61860-897Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553Website
tufesainternacional.com
Bus from El Paso Downtown to Tucson
Average Duration
5hEstimated price
$1929-6140Houston to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Houston 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 the vibrant city of Houston to the iconic streets of San Francisco covering a distance of 1937 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes and charming small towns along the way.
💰 Experience the flexibility and adventure of a car trip with prices ranging from $350 to $550 for the trip from Houston to San Francisco. Pack your favorite snacks, create the perfect playlist, and make unforgettable memories on this cross-country drive.
🌉 Arrive in the picturesque city of San Francisco after approximately 30 hours of driving. Explore the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and indulge in delicious seafood at Fisherman's Wharf. The journey may be long, but the memories created will last a lifetime.
Average price
$350 - $550
🌉 The route covers a distance of 2,074 miles and involves 3 transfers. From Houston, board the Sunset Limited to Union Station in Los Angeles, then continue on the Pacific Surfliner to San Luis Obispo, and finally take the Coast Starlight to San Jose before a short ride on Caltrain to San Francisco.
💰 Prices for the train journey vary from $89 to $618. With a total travel time of approximately 2 days and 1 hour, this trip offers a unique way to explore the diverse landscapes between Texas and California while enjoying the comfort of train travel.
Departure Point
Houston station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary depending on the train operator you choose. Amtrak offers a 'Café Car' where you can purchase snacks, meals, and beverages. Some services also provide complimentary meals in First Class accommodation, especially on longer routes. Be sure to check meal times and any special menu options or dietary accommodations.
• For your journey from Houston to San Francisco, Amtrak is the primary operator, and it provides different seating options: Roomette (for 1-2 people, private, includes meals), Suite (upgrade from Roomette), Business Class (more spacious seats and complimentary snacks), and Coach Class (standard seating). Consider Roomette for added privacy and comfort, especially on this long trip.
• Upon arrival at the San Francisco train station (Emeryville station), you'll find luggage storage services available through Amtrak, so you can explore the city without your bags. However, there are no showers or dedicated restrooms outside of the train platforms. Keep in mind to plan your arrival time, as the station can become busy.
🛫 Flying from Houston to San Francisco is a convenient and efficient travel option. The quickest direct flight takes around 4 hours and 14 minutes, making it a relatively short journey.
💸 Flight prices between Houston and San Francisco can range from $94 to $472, providing travelers with some flexibility in choosing the best option that fits their budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Houston Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Embark on an epic bus journey from Houston to San Francisco! Although there's no direct route, multiple transfers make for an approximately 44-hour adventure.
🛣️ Route options vary, with distances ranging from 1,862 to 2,080 miles. Expect 2 transfers along the way, including stops in cities like Los Angeles and Dallas, adding a layer of discovery to your trip.
💰 Prices for this scenic ride can range from $207 to $431, offering budget-friendly travel for those seeking a unique cross-country experience by bus.
Departure Point
Houston Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Houston to San Francisco.
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The distance between Houston and San Francisco is approximately 1652 miles by air. By train, it takes approximately 9 hours and 44 minutes, while flying can take approximately 6 hours and 43 minutes. If traveling by car, it can take around 30 hours and 2 minutes, and by bus, it can take approximately 43 hours and 10 minutes. These travel times may vary depending on the specific routes and transportation options chosen.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Houston to San Francisco is to fly. This option provides the quickest travel time of 6 hours and 43 minutes and ranges in price from $130-$480. Another cost-effective option is to fly and then take the BART train, which takes 8 hours and 17 minutes and costs $45-$500. These options provide convenient and efficient ways to travel between the two cities.
When traveling from Houston to San Francisco the prices for a train ticket can range from $89 to $618. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from San Francisco to Houston can range from $206 to $430. It is recommended to compare prices and book in advance in order to secure the best deal for your journey.
To get from Houston to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 1937 miles, and it takes approximately 30 hours to drive from Houston to San Francisco. The cost of driving varies but typically ranges from $350 to $550 depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
The best way to travel from Houston to San Francisco without a car is by taking a bus and Caltrain. This option takes approximately 41 hours and 36 minutes and costs between $300 and $650. Another option is to fly, which takes around 6 hours and 43 minutes and costs between $130 and $480. If you prefer a longer journey, you could also consider taking a bus, which takes about 43 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $200 and $430, or taking a train, which takes approximately 2 days and 1 hour and costs between $85 and $650.
No, there is no direct link between Houston and San Francisco. However, there are options available for travel between the two cities. Amtrak operates train services from Houston to Oakland, with transfers in Los Angeles and Lake Merritt, taking approximately 2 days and 1 hour. Alternatively, bus services operated by Greyhound USA or Flixbus USA are also available, with a journey time of approximately 43 hours and 10 minutes, including transfers.
The flight between Houston and San Francisco typically takes around 4 hours if it is a direct flight from Houston Hobby Apt Airport to Oakland Airport. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary from $132 to $475, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and class of service. It is recommended to check with different airlines and book in advance to find the best deals on flights between Houston and San Francisco.
There are over 835 hotels available in San Francisco, ranging in price starting from $74. Some popular options include the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, the Marriott Marquis San Francisco, and the Fairmont San Francisco. Additionally, there are many boutique hotels and guesthouses to choose from, offering a variety of amenities and locations throughout the city. It is advisable to book accommodations in advance, as San Francisco is a popular tourist destination and hotels can fill up quickly.
Trips from Houston
- Houston to San Antonio
- Houston to Austin
- Houston to Orlando
- Houston to Beaumont
- Houston to Arlington
- Houston to Lubbock
- Houston to Galveston
- Houston to Fort Worth
- Houston to Atlanta
- Houston to College Station
- Houston to Bryan
- Houston to New Orleans
- Houston to Dallas
- Houston to Waco
- Houston to Tulum
- Houston to Little Rock
- Houston to Lake Charles
- Houston to Shreveport
- Houston to Kansas City
- Houston to Puerto Vallarta
- Houston to Guadalajara
- Houston to Pensacola Beach
- Houston to Guatemala City
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- Houston to Toronto
- Houston to Boston
- Houston to Belize City
- Houston to Calgary
- Houston to Amsterdam
- Houston to Karachi
- Houston to Rome
- Houston to Aruba
- Houston to Medellin
- Houston to Dubai
- Houston to Detroit
- Houston to New York City
- Houston to Cancun
- Houston to Vancouver
- Houston to Laredo
- Houston to Buenos Aires
Trips to San Francisco
- Palo Alto to San Francisco
- Santa Rosa to San Francisco
- Davis to San Francisco
- Stockton to San Francisco
- Las Vegas to San Francisco
- Irvine to San Francisco
- Santa Cruz to San Francisco
- Sacramento to San Francisco
- Modesto to San Francisco
- Fresno to San Francisco
- Vallejo to San Francisco
- Dallas to San Francisco
- Santa Clara to San Francisco
- Santa Barbara to San Francisco
- San Diego to San Francisco
- New York City to San Francisco
- Ontario to San Francisco
- Portland to San Francisco
- Seattle to San Francisco
- San Bernardino to San Francisco
- Redding to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Chicago to San Francisco
- Atlanta to San Francisco
- Tampa to San Francisco
- Toronto to San Francisco
- San Jose to San Francisco
- Sequoia National Park to San Francisco
- Berkeley to San Francisco
- Charlotte to San Francisco
- Reno to San Francisco
- Anaheim to San Francisco
- Napa to San Francisco
- Big Sur to San Francisco
- Indianapolis to San Francisco
- Bakersfield to San Francisco
- Alameda to San Francisco
- Beijing to San Francisco
- Honolulu to San Francisco
- Lake Tahoe to San Francisco