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Salt Lake City, UT, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $38: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Salt Lake City, United States of America
to
San Francisco, United States of America

How to Get from Salt Lake City 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.

$38 by trainBest price
970 kmDistance
3h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Salt Lake City 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
3h  57m
Estimated price
$56-275
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
18h  27m
Estimated price
$38-252
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 970 km
Duration: 3h 57m

See more options

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  1m
Estimated price
$69-364
Company
Various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
5h  23m
Estimated price
$73-326
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
11h  17m
Estimated price
$130-560
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Salt Lake City to San Francisco

Journeying from Salt Lake City to San Francisco offers a fascinating shift from the mountain-dotted landscapes of Utah to the iconic coastal views and vibrant city life of California.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm.

Mission District
• Known for vibrant street art and murals.
• Offers a thriving food scene with unique eateries.
Fisherman's Wharf
• A hub for seafood lovers and bay views.
• Home to the famous sea lions at Pier 39.
Haight-Ashbury
• Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement.
• Filled with eclectic shops and vintage boutiques.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your San Francisco experience.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings during weekdays offer stunning views and fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Book tours for late afternoon to avoid the busiest crowds.
Lombard Street
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful stroll down the famous curve.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco boasts a mild climate with cool summers and foggy winters, making layers essential throughout the year. The best times to visit are typically late spring and early fall, when you can enjoy clearer skies and pleasant temperatures that enhance your exploration of this vibrant city.

Dining in San Francisco: A Culinary Contrast

Make sure to try the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, a dish that encapsulates the city’s coastal influences. Unlike the hearty, meat-centric offerings often found in Salt Lake City, this dining experience immerses you in fresh seafood flavors and the lively atmosphere of one of San Francisco's iconic waterfront spots.

Salt Lake City - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City (SLC) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$130-567

Plane from Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$2750-2755

Plane from Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$2751-2756
Website
delta.com

Plane from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 3m
Estimated price
$130-2754

Plane from Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$2750-2755

Plane from Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$2751-2756
Website
united.com

Plane from Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 23m
Estimated price
$2750-2757
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 8m
Estimated price
$2758-2759
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Salt Lake City to Richmond

Average Duration
17h 29m
Estimated price
$565-566
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$382-383

Salt Lake City to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Salt Lake City 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 a stunning road trip from Salt Lake City to San Francisco spanning 740 miles of scenic beauty and diverse landscapes. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $130 to $200 for the journey by car, providing budget-friendly versatility for your travel plans. 🌉 Revel in the approximately 11 hours and 17 minutes of driving time as you venture through picturesque routes towards the iconic Golden Gate Bridge waiting to welcome you to vibrant San Francisco.
Average price
$130 - $200
Although there is no direct route, the journey with transfers takes approximately 18 hours and 27 minutes. 🌉 Route options vary from 18 hours 26 minutes to 18 hours 54 minutes, with distances ranging from 825 to 835 miles. Enjoy scenic views as you pass through Emeryville and Richmond before reaching the vibrant city of San Francisco. 🎫 Prices for the train ride between Salt Lake City and San Francisco can range from $38 to $252. Prepare for a unique and leisurely travel experience as you make your way to the iconic city by the bay.
Departure Point
Salt Lake City station
Arrival Point
Richmond station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Check the onboard services of the Amtrak California Zephyr, which operates on this route. The train offers a café car with a range of food and beverage options, including sandwiches, salads, and hot meals. You can also purchase coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. If you prefer dining at your seat, Amtrak provides a dining car with sit-down service for First Class passengers.
• When booking your ticket, consider the different seating options available on Amtrak. There are three main classes: First Class (Roomette and Bedroom options), Business Class (more spacious seating with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages), and Economy Class (standard coach seating). The Roomette is particularly recommended for privacy, while Business Class offers a comfortable option for those wanting a premium experience.
• For this journey, you can use operators like Amtrak (amtrak.com) for the Amtrak California Zephyr, which is the primary train line connecting Salt Lake City to San Francisco. Other options may require a combination of train and bus, but Amtrak remains the most direct. Useful links include Amtrak’s site for ticket booking and schedules, and local transport options at the arrival station can be found on the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency website (sfmta.com).
🛫 Flying from Salt Lake City to San Francisco is a convenient and relatively short journey. The quickest direct flight from Salt Lake City Airport to Oakland Airport takes just 1 hour and 50 minutes. 🌉 Once you arrive at Oakland Airport, it's just a short distance to San Francisco. Overall, the total flight time from Salt Lake City to San Francisco is approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes. 💸 Flight prices between San Francisco and Salt Lake City can range from $56 to $275, providing a range of options to fit different budgets. With airlines like Delta and Southwest serving this route, travelers have flexibility in choosing their flight options.
Departure Point
Salt Lake City Airport
Arrival Point
Oakland Airport
🚍 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Salt Lake City to San Francisco, a trip spanning 1,080 miles with 6 transfers. Enjoy the diverse landscapes as you make your way towards the iconic city by the bay. 🌉 Arrive in San Francisco after a total travel time of 1 day and 3 hours, ready to explore the vibrant streets, iconic landmarks, and stunning views that this legendary city has to offer. With memories of your bus journey to cherish, your trip from Salt Lake City to San Francisco will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Salt Lake City to San Francisco.

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The distance between Salt Lake City and San Francisco is 603 miles. The road distance is slightly longer at 739.7 miles. Traveling by train, it takes approximately 18 hours and 26 minutes to reach San Francisco from Salt Lake City. If you choose to fly, the travel time is significantly shorter, with a flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco taking around 3 hours and 49 minutes. Driving from San Francisco to Salt Lake City typically takes about 11 hours and 17 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Salt Lake City to San Francisco is by train, with prices ranging from $35 to $260. However, this option takes 18 hours and 26 minutes. If time is a priority, the quickest way to travel is by plane, which takes 3 hours and 49 minutes and costs between $65 and $300. Both options have their advantages depending on the traveler's budget and time constraints.
The prices for a train ticket from Salt Lake City to San Francisco range from $38 to $252, depending on the class and type of ticket selected. Economy class tickets are typically more affordable, while sleeper or first-class tickets can be more expensive. It is advisable to check with different train providers or online travel websites for the most up-to-date prices and availability.
To travel from Salt Lake City to San Francisco without using public transportation, you have the option of driving. The distance between the two cities is approximately 740 miles, which takes around 11 hours and 17 minutes to drive. The cost of a one-way trip by car can range from $130 to $200, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Salt Lake City to San Francisco without a car is by taking a train. The journey takes approximately 18 hours and 26 minutes. The train ticket costs between $35 and $260, depending on the class of service and the time of booking. It is a comfortable and scenic option for those looking to enjoy the journey.
Yes, there is a link between Salt Lake City and San Francisco but it is not a direct train route. Instead, travelers can take an Amtrak train from Salt Lake City to Richmond, and then transfer to another train that will take them to San Francisco. The total travel time is approximately 18 hours and 26 minutes, including transfers.
The flight duration between Salt Lake City and San Francisco typically takes around 1 hour and 56 minutes for a direct flight. However, this time may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions or specific airline schedules. In terms of cost, the prices of flights between San Francisco and Salt Lake City can range from $69 to $294, depending on various factors such as the time of booking, demand, and availability of seats. It is advisable to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the most affordable option for your travel.
There are many options for accommodation near San Francisco. There are over 835 hotels available in the area to choose from, with prices starting as low as $74 per night. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, there is something for every preference and budget. Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of the city or in a quieter neighborhood, you will have plenty of choices to find the perfect place to stay during your visit to San Francisco.

Trips from Salt Lake City

Trips to San Francisco