How Far Is Reno From San Francisco? You Won’t Believe the Answer!5 min read
Reno is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada, with an estimated population of 241,445 as of 2019. It is the county seat of Washoe County, in the northwestern part of the state. The city sits in a high desert at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and its downtown area (along with Sparks) occupies a valley informally known as the Truckee Meadows. Reno is the fourth-most populous city in the state after Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas.
Table of Contents
- 1 How Far Is Reno From San Francisco
- 2 Driving Distance – the estimated drive time and distance between the two cities.
- 3 Flights – the availability of direct flights, and the estimated flight duration.
- 4 Bus Travel – the availability of buses between Reno and San Francisco, and the estimated travel time.
- 5 Conclusion
How Far Is Reno From San Francisco
Reno, Nevada is located approximately 440 miles from San Francisco, California, making it a relatively easy drive along Interstate 80 which takes a little less than 7 hours. Reno is a popular destination for those in San Francisco due to its close proximity, and for its many attractions, such as its casinos and nightlife, as well as its skiing and nearby Lake Tahoe. Reno also offers many other recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as shopping, dining, and sightseeing. It is a great location to visit for a weekend getaway or vacation.
Driving Distance – the estimated drive time and distance between the two cities.
Distance is an important factor to consider when traveling, especially when planning a long distance trip. If you’re wondering how far is Reno from San Francisco, you’ve come to the right place. Located in the northern part of California, San Francisco is about 400 miles away from Reno, Nevada.
Driving from San Francisco to Reno can be a great way to get to know the region, as you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, from coastal mountains to alpine valleys. The drive will take you about 6 hours and 40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you’d rather avoid the hassle of driving, you can take a flight from San Francisco to Reno. The flight time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
If you decide to drive from San Francisco to Reno, you’ll be treated to views of the Sierra Nevada, Desolation Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, and more. Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns of Auburn, Truckee, and Reno. The route will take you over Donner Summit, an elevation of 7,239 feet, where you’ll get stunning views of the Sierra Nevada.

No matter how you get to Reno, you’ll be greeted with a city full of outdoor activities, vibrant culture, and fantastic food. From the downtown area to the nearby mountains and lakes, Reno is the perfect destination for any traveler.
Flights – the availability of direct flights, and the estimated flight duration.
For many travelers, the distance between Reno and San Francisco may seem like a daunting one; however, with direct flights available, the journey can be a quick and easy one. Depending on the airline and the type of flight, the estimated flight duration between the two cities can vary greatly.
For those looking for a non-stop flight between Reno and San Francisco, the estimated flight time is just over an hour. This is due to the relatively short distance between the two cities—only around 230 miles. Depending on the airline and the type of flight, departure times can vary greatly. Therefore, it’s important to take a look at the flight schedule before booking.
For those who are looking for more economical options, there are many flights that offer layovers in between destinations. These flights can offer a considerable savings, but the estimated flight duration will be longer. For instance, a flight that includes a one hour layover in Las Vegas will take around three and a half hours.
When flying from Reno to San Francisco, there are many different airlines to choose from, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. Each of these airlines offer different flight options, so it’s important to compare the prices and flight times before booking.
Overall, the estimated flight duration from Reno to San Francisco can vary greatly depending on the airline, type of flight, and layovers. However, with the availability of direct flights, the journey can be a quick and easy one.

Bus Travel – the availability of buses between Reno and San Francisco, and the estimated travel time.
If you’re looking to make a journey from Reno to San Francisco, you’ll be pleased to know that bus travel is a viable option. Depending on the route you take, the estimated travel time between these two cities is between 8 and 10 hours.
The first step is to determine the most direct route. The most common route for a Reno to San Francisco bus is to take the I-80 westbound, passing through Reno and Sacramento before veering south on the I-5 and heading straight into San Francisco. This route is the most direct and is the most popular among bus travelers.
If you decide to take the I-80 westbound, you’ll have several stops along the way. The most notable stops are in Sacramento, where you can take a break and stretch your legs, and in Davis, where you can take a scenic detour to explore the city. Additionally, you’ll pass through the cities of Vacaville, Fairfield, and Vallejo before crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and arriving in San Francisco.
Fortunately, bus travel between Reno and San Francisco is quite frequent. There are several bus companies that offer daily services, such as Greyhound and Amtrak. Additionally, there are several discount bus companies, such as FlixBus, that offer cheaper fares. With so many options, it is easy to find a bus that fits your schedule, budget, and preferences.
Overall, traveling by bus from Reno to San Francisco is a viable option and can save you time and money compared to other forms of transportation. With frequent services, several stops along the way, and scenic routes, bus travel can be an enjoyable way to get from Reno to San Francisco.
Conclusion
Reno is about 400 miles from San Francisco, depending on the route you take. The most direct route is through the Sierra Nevada mountains, which can be a challenging drive in winter weather. There are also a few scenic routes that take you through some of California’s wine country, which can add a few hours to the drive.