Charter Bus Rentals in San Francisco, California

Why Take a Charter Bus to San Francisco?

The Painted Ladies rowhouses of San Francisco, California.

So, why should you rent a charter bus in San Francisco? That depends on why you’re traveling! A charter bus rental can help groups of all types have a stress-free trip around the San Francisco area. Check out a few of these example trips that could benefit from a charter bus or minibus:

• Business groups shuttling around the SF Bay area and Silicon Valley for a major meeting, conference, or trade show.
• Friends planning a group trip to Napa Valley for special occasions like birthdays and bachelor or bachelorette parties.
• School groups taking educational trips to unique historic locations like the Golden Gate Bridge and National Recreational Area.
• Wedding parties needing a shuttle bus between venues in The Presidio or Golden Gate Park.
• Big fan clubs in need of a ride to cheer on their favorite sports teams like the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants.

Well, what about other transportation options? While San Francisco’s public transport is charming (you can’t get any more quintessential SF than traveling by cable car) and rideshare services are widespread, they aren’t necessarily big-group friendly. These transportation options are great for solo travelers and small groups of passengers. You can travel freely around the city with rideshares and keep transportation costs low with public options, but large groups generally need more personalized services. A public cable car or bus won’t have enough seats to accommodate your entire group, and other passengers may become frustrated.

With a charter bus rental you’ll have:

• A private ride customized to your group size, without the worry of crowding around strangers.
• Organized pick-up and drop-off options. Rushing everyone out of rideshares just to realize you’re on the wrong street is never ideal.)
• Adjustable onboard climate controls and entertainment options like WiFi and TVs with DVD players. (You’ll definitely want something to pass the time if you’re stuck in the Bay Area’s notorious traffic.)
• Transportation tailored to your schedule!

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Rent a Charter Bus - Available 24/7

Choosing a Charter Bus in San Francisco

So you’re considering booking a charter bus for your San Francisco trip, but you’re not sure what to ask for when you call. No problem! Shofur charter bus rentals come in a wide variety of models with a combination of premium amenities to fit your trip needs.

A variety of minibus models are available to service relatively medium-sized groups (usually under 30 people), and full-size charter buses are perfect for large trips in the Bay Area. Larger models of bus are also popular for long trips like the haul from San Francisco to Los Angeles or even Las Vegas. Picking the best charter bus is dependent on your group size, occasion, and distance of the trip. Your Shofur reservation expert can also easily pair you with the most suitable bus for your needs. If you need any additional amenities like convenient WiFi, power outlets, and reclining seats for the long Bay Area drive, we can find a charter bus to meet those needs.

We’ll also be sure you’re paired with a professional motorcoach driver alongside the best vehicle for your trip. You’ll have a safe and comfortable ride when booking your charter bus with the Shofur network.

What’s Included in a Shofur Charter Bus Rental?

All of our quotes are personalized to each unique trip. The cost of each bus rental will vary and are dependent on a few factors. These include (but aren’t limited to):

• The time of year
• The duration and distance of your trip
• Your origin city (and final destination, if different)
• Amenities requested on the bus

A large trip in the winter could be cheaper than a small trip during the busy summer season, solely dependent on demand. When you call 1-800-436-8719, your reservation expert will take all your trip information into account to provide a quick and accurate quote.

Corporate Travel in the San Francisco Bay Area

With its close proximity to Silicon Valley, San Francisco is a major hub for business travel. A motorcoach is one of the easiest ways to transport a large number of business travelers around the Bay Area for conferences, conventions, and meetings. Corporate guests can get last-minute work done with onboard WiFi and power outlets while a professional driver handles the roads.

If you’re a local business hosting an event, booking a shuttle service will also keep your company from having to handle the pesky reimbursement paperwork for gas and mileage on personal vehicles.

Guests can ride in comfort between these top business hotels and large-scale business events at the Moscone Center or any other venue in San Francisco’s Financial District:

Loews Regency San Francisco

Address: 222 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94104

Phone: 415) 276-9888

The St. Regis San Francisco

Address: 125 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone:  (415) 284-4000

Club Quarters Hotel, San Francisco, Downtown

Address: 424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone:  (415) 392-7400

Fairmont San Francisco

Address: 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108

Phone:  (415) 772-5000

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle

Recurring Employee Shuttle Service

Providing a shuttle service to your company office or campus is one of the best ways to ease travel-related stress for employees. Sitting in traffic for two hours doesn’t set most people up for professional success. With a shuttle service, your employees can relax while they ride to work, arriving rested and ready for a day of productivity.

Our recurring bus rentals can be set up as a contract or on a trip-by-trip basis with your reservation expert. Even if you need a recurring shuttle for off-site events, we’ll be happy to work with your company’s transportation needs.

San Francisco Sporting Event Bus Rentals

Sports fans and teams alike often need a spacious travel solution to home and away games. If you’re a local team headed to an away game, traveling by charter bus is the most efficient way to ensure all of your equipment and players are kept together. Unlike cars and vans, a charter bus rental offers plenty of space, without breaking the bank as options like air travel do. Full-size charter buses can comfortably accommodate anywhere from 30 to 56 passengers. So your entire team (and maybe a few chaperones for Little League teams) will travel together with ease.

Fans of the Bay Area’s professional sports teams should also consider a minibus or large motorcoach for an upcoming Giants, 49ers, or Golden State Warriors game. Having a charter bus service dedicated to your fan club will keep everyone together before tailgating and entering the stadium. You’ll also have more than enough storage space for tailgating gear like folding tents, chairs, small grills, and coolers.

Ride to any of these San Francisco sports venues and beyond in your private charter bus:

AT&T Ballpark

Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107

Phone: (866) 800-1275

Levi’s Stadium

Address: 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Phone: (415) 464-9377

Oakland-Alameda Coliseum

Address: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621

Phone: (510) 569-2121

Oracle Arena

Address: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621

Phone: (510) 569-2121

California Memorial Stadium

Address: 2227 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94720

Phone: (510) 642-2730

Academic Field Trips in San Francisco

Educators at local schools and leaders of youth community organizations should consider booking field trip transportation with a charter bus company. Modern school buses are always improving, but there’s a chance you’ll get stuck with an uncomfortable, older model of bus. Instead, book with Shofur to ensure all students have an enjoyable ride before a day of learning. While traveling around the city, students can relax in climate-controlled cabins and reclining seats with premium amenities. Play Bill Nye episodes with your onboard TVs and DVD players while traveling to the Exploratorium, or let students catch up on social media and mobile games with your bus’s WiFi.

For field trips in and around San Francisco, check out the below educational destinations to add to your itinerary.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Address: 151 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Phone: (415) 357-4000

Aquarium of the Bay

Address: PIER 39, Embarcadero and Beach Streets, San Francisco, CA 94133

Phone: (415) 623-5300

Golden Gate Park

Address: Park Headquarters, 501 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone:(415) 831-2700

California Academy of Sciences

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Phone: (415) 379-8000

Exploratorium

Address:  Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: (415) 528-4444

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle

College Tours Around the Bay Area

The University of California Berkley, Golden Bears Stadium. Image Credit: Anthony Hall on Unsplash.

The West Coast is home to some of the top universities in the country. Groups organizing tours for high-school seniors can rent a charter bus from San Francisco to handle their transportation from campus to campus. Students and chaperones can shuttle between San Francisco, Berkley, Stanford, and San Jose with ease.

Are your students more interested in Southern California colleges? Book a charter bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles to visit popular institutions like UCLA and USC. Shofur will take care of your campus tour transportation, no matter where you plan to go.

Check out the beautiful campuses of these Bay Area colleges and universities:

Stanford University

Address: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

Phone: (650) 723-2300

University of California Berkeley

Address: 2227 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94720

Phone: (510) 642-6000

San Francisco State University

Address: 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132

Phone: (415) 338-1111

University of San Francisco

Address: 2130 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94117

Phone: (415) 422-5555

Santa Clara University

Address: 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053

Phone: (408) 554-4000

San Francisco Wedding Shuttle Buses

The Bay Area has a long list of beautiful venues for special occasions like weddings. Locals planning a wedding in San Francisco can help their guests get around the busy roads with a designated shuttle service.

If you have a large number of guests coming from out of town, Shofur can help you organize an airport transfer from San Francisco International to their lodging of choice. The city’s winding roads and traffic can easily be overwhelming for unfamiliar visitors. Rent a charter bus with Shofur to ensure the stress of transportation is taken out of their trip. They’ll arrive on time and in complete comfort, ready to enjoy your special day.

Let Shofur handle your guest transportation to these popular San Francisco venues and beyond:

Terra Gallery & Event Venue

Address: 511 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94105

Phone: (415) 896-1234

Flood Mansion

Address: 2222 Broadway Street, San Francisco, CA 94115

Phone: (415) 292-3142

Bently Reserve

Address: 301 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Phone: (415) 294-2226

The Winery SF

Address: 30 Avenue G, San Francisco, CA 94130

Phone: (415) 735-8423

Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Transportation

Do you need a transportation service for other wedding events? Shofur will book you a minibus for everything from bachelor/ette parties to rehearsal dinners. Shuttle to Napa Valley in your private minibus with a built-in DD or save your rehearsal dinner guests the hassle of parking their own vehicles in Downtown San Francisco. A shuttle service will eliminate having to designate one friend as an afterparty driver or risking parking tickets at your rehearsal dinner venue (Downtown San Francisco is notorious for being generous with parking tickets).

1-800-436-8719 Call Us Today to Charter a Coachbus, Minibus, or Shuttle

Charter a Bus to San Francisco’s Biggest Annual Events

San Francisco is historically a very diverse city and is made up of people from all backgrounds. You’ll find an array of cultural festivals and major events throughout the year. A charter bus rental will help you avoid the stress of hectic traffic around big events. Organizers can reserve a fleet of buses as an attendee shuttle service, or private groups can reserve their own minibus around the city.

Here are just a few major events that attract thousands of visitors to San Francisco every year:

• Lunar New Year - February
• Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival - April
• San Francisco Pride - June
• Outside Lands Music Festival - August

Outdoor Group Trips from San Francisco

The San Francisco area is the perfect place for groups of outdoor enthusiasts. There are several picturesque hiking destinations within the city or just a few hours’ drive away. A group hike is a wonderful team-building exercise for coworkers, friends, sports teams—really, anyone! Driving and parking several cars can be a hassle during busy seasons. Renting a charter bus will consolidate your group into one vehicle for an easier outdoor trip to these top locations:

Presidio of San Francisco National Park

Address: 210 Lincoln Boulevard on the Presidio's Main Post, San Francisco, CA 94129

Phone: (415) 561-4323

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Address: Mill Valley, CA 94941

Phone: (415) 561-4700

Muir Woods National Monument

Address: 1 Muir Woods Rd, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Phone:  (415) 561-2850

Distance from San Francisco: 20 miles ~40 minutes

Yosemite National Park

Address: Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone: (209) 372-0200

Distance from San Francisco: 170 miles or ~3.5 hours

Charter Bus Trips from San Francisco to Napa Valley

The famous vineyards of Napa Valley are a relatively short drive from San Francisco. Winery-hopping in Napa Valley is a popular day trip option for locals and visitors alike. Groups traveling for wedding events (ceremonies, bachelor, and bachelorette parties) and friends’ weekends can fully enjoy flights of delicious wine without worrying about a DD. Every Shofur charter bus rental includes a professional driver who will take care of that for you! Unlike pre-scheduled wine tours, reserving a private motorcoach gives your group the opportunity to build your own itinerary with wineries on your must-visit list.

Depending on the route you take, your charter bus will travel past the McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore, which offers amazing photo opportunities of the San Francisco skyline. Have your bus driver make a pit stop on your way back from Napa Valley to get a lovely view of the waterfront sunset across the San Francisco Bay.

Bus tip: Not every winery can accommodate groups traveling by bus. Be sure you build an itinerary with wineries that welcome large groups and take parking reservations for oversized vehicles.

Not sure which wineries to visit? Consider adding one (or a few) of these group-friendly spots to your Napa itinerary:

Domaine Carneros

Address: 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559

Phone: (707) 257-0101

Vinoce & Twenty Rows

Address: 68 S Coombs St, Ste L6, Napa, CA 94559

Phone: (707) 265-7750

Clos Du Val

Address: 5330 Silverado Trl, Napa, CA 94558

Phone: (707) 261-5212

Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves

Address: 1055 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa, CA 94558

Phone: (707) 963-2134

Bus Trips from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Unlike traveling to Napa Valley, making the trek from San Francisco to LA is a longer commitment and is a better option for weekend trips. Riding between San Francisco and LA is also a popular trip for groups of international travelers who want to see some of the West Coast’s biggest attractions. With a charter bus, everyone in your group can travel and rest in complete comfort on the 6-hour stretch of highway between the cities.

The most direct route between San Francisco and LA will take your group along I-5 for the majority of the trip. Unfortunately, there aren’t very many notable stops on the way. Pack up plenty of snacks and water, queue up your favorite entertainment, or catch up on some sleep during the trip. If you need to make a pit stop on the way, just be sure to let your driver know. Keep in mind, all full-size motorcoaches include onboard restrooms, but most models of minibus do not.

Charter Bus Trips from San Francisco to Las Vegas

Looking for the ultimate place to celebrate your birthday with a big group of friends? Or maybe you’re interested in catching a magnificent performance from one of many musicians in residency? Shofur has your group transportation covered from San Francisco to Las Vegas, whatever the travel occasion may be. 

Being cramped in small vehicles or losing a car in your caravan is the last thing you want on the 8- to 10-hour drive, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Your charter bus will have plenty of space for everyone to stretch out and relax for the long haul ahead. Pass the time watching your group’s favorite films or television series on your bus’s TVs equipped with DVD players.

There are a handful of ways to get to Las Vegas from San Francisco. Depending on your route, you can make a short detour in Reno, stop in Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite, or have a desert photo op at Mojave National Preserve.

Bus tip: Plan out your stops ahead of time. Rest areas on this drive can be few and far between. Advise your driver of how often your group would like to stop before embarking on your journey.

1-800-436-8719 Call Our 24/7 Team to Rent a Charter Bus Today

Our Favorite Group-Friendly Destinations in San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Image Credit: Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

If you need some locations to fill your multi-day San Francisco itinerary, these attractions are group-friendly and sure to appeal to all types of visitors:

Alcatraz Island

Great for: Educational field trips and private groups of history buffs

Alcatraz once served as a maximum-security federal prison that housed infamous criminals like Scarface Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly. In 1963, the prison shut down after nearly 30 years of housing some of the country’s most dangerous criminals. The prison and island grounds were turned over to the National Park Service in 1972. Today, a variety of guided group tour options are offered through Alcatraz Cruises.

You’ll have to take the Alcatraz Cruises ferry to the island, but we highly recommend renting a shuttle to the Pier 33 landing. Parking can be tight for large groups arriving in several vehicles, especially during the summer when Alcatraz sees its highest number of visitors.

Bus tip: Have your driver drop your group off at the nearby Pier 39 passenger and taxi loading zone. Metered street parking is available for oversized vehicles in the area, and additional parking can be found at local R.V. parks. These additional parking options are not within walking distance of the landing, so your driver can collect your group after your tour is over.

Alcatraz Landing Address: Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94133

Phone: (415) 438-8320

Chinatown

Great for: Private groups of foodies and cultural enthusiasts

Did you know that San Francisco’s Chinatown has one of the largest populations of Asian residents outside of Asia? It’s also one of the oldest and most well-established Chinese communities in the country. New York City’s Chinatown reigns supreme on the East Coast, but on the West Coast, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the place to visit for dim sum, egg custard tarts, other traditional foods, and touristy souvenirs.

Bus tip: Chinatown is relatively small (it’s only about 24 blocks) but densely packed. A full-sized charter bus won’t be allowed to drive through some roads in the area. Have your driver drop everyone off at the famous Dragon’s Gate and you can explore the area on foot.

General address: 843 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108

Guided group tours: (888) 212-3203

Golden Gate Bridge

Great for: Everyone

Seriously, everyone! Visiting the Golden Gate Bridge is a must for any San Francisco visitor. The iconic red suspension bridge has been a symbol of the city and an important landmark ever since its completion in 1937. Your group can take in postcard-worthy views from several areas in the city, including vista points right near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center and across the bay in Sausalito.

Free walking tours are held twice a week by the nonprofit organization San Francisco City Guides. Groups may also take a self-guided walking tour of the bridge. Stop by the Welcome Center, grab a brochure, and enjoy the views.

Bus tip: Metered bus stall parking is available at the center's southeast visitor lot. Accessible parking stalls are also available in the lots. If you’re traveling with older guests or those with mobility concerns, ask your driver to shuttle everyone across the bridge instead of walking. When you call to rent your bus, be sure to ask your reservation expert about ADA-accessible bus options as well.

Welcome Center Address: Golden Gate Bridge, Coastal Trail, San Francisco, CA 94129

Phone: (415) 426-5220

The Castro

Great for: LGBTQ travelers and groups of history and culture lovers

The Castro neighborhood has been synonymous with San Francisco’s large LGBTQ community since the 1960s. This district has been at the forefront of queer culture and the LGBTQ rights movement. Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay public official and a major figure in the gay rights movement, was a notable resident of the Castro neighborhood in the 1970s.

Today, visitors can catch some sun at Mission Dolores Park, explore history at the Harvey Milk Photo Center, enjoy a movie at the historic Castro Theater, support local restaurants, and have drinks at nightlife spots like Twin Peaks Tavern.

Bus tip: The Castro is a large but walkable neighborhood. Metered street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, and a designated bus passenger loading zone is available just north of Mission Dolores Park.

General Address: Castro and Market Sts., San Francisco, CA 94114

Twin Peaks

Great for: Groups of outdoor enthusiasts

Looking for sweeping views of the city to send to your friends and family (or maybe just to post on social media)? Head on up to Twin Peaks to get the best views of San Francisco. The 922-foot-high summit is one of the most popular hikes in the city. Many groups choose to hike the trails between Eureka Peak and Noe Peak, but driving is also a suitable option. You can still get some amazing shots through the panoramic windows of your bus.

Bus tip: This is a primarily residential area, and most available parking is along the street. Groups traveling by minibus should have no problem finding street parking. If you're in a full-size motorcoach, a small free parking lot is located in the Christmas Tree Point Viewing Area.

Address: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114

San Francisco Recreation & Parks phone: (415) 831-2700

Rent a Charter Bus in San Francisco

Ready to hit the roads in San Francisco? Shofur will help you experience all that Northern California has to offer. No matter the size of your group or your reasons for travel, we’ll get you in a charter bus that perfectly fits your needs.

If you've never booked a bus before, don’t worry. Booking with Shofur is easy. Call us 24/7 at 1-800-436-8719 to talk with one of our rental experts about your trip. You’ll get a quick and accurate price estimate based on your travel details. Then, you can book your bus on the spot or take a few days to think it over. Whenever you choose to book, you’ll have access to a reservation expert around the clock.