The cheapest and fastest buses from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$630
Average price
$630
Fastest journey
2 d 5 h 25 m
Average duration
2 d 5 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2837 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA will cost around $630 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $630.
It's difficult to get from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
7:00 AM53h25Madison, WI12:25 PMSan Francisco, CA$6301One-way3 transfers
7:00 AM53h25Madison, WI12:25 PMSan Francisco, CA$6301One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $238. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $238, and a train costs an average of $331.
Distance: 1762 miles (2837 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$242 Average price Cheapest | $609 Average price | $516 Average price |
59h 53m Average total duration 59h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59h 46m Average total duration 59h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 26m Average total duration Fastest 8h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, April 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 AM Madison, WI | 53h25 | 12:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Buses from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 59h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $238 (€194) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1762 miles (2837 km) distance in 55h 25m.
Distance 1762 miles (2837 km) |
Average bus duration 59h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $238 (€194) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 55h 25m |
First bus 5:30 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
FAQs: Bus from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections from Madison, WI
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