Los Angeles, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $22: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Los Angeles to San Francisco: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$22 by trainBest price
563.8 kmDistance
3h 23m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to San Francisco
The journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco offers a fascinating contrast, with LA's sun-soaked beaches and vibrant Hollywood scene giving way to San Francisco's iconic hills and eclectic neighborhoods.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character.
Mission District
• Renowned for vibrant murals and street art.
• Offers delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine.
Fisherman’s Wharf
• Famous for fresh seafood and bustling pier atmosphere.
• Home to sea lions lounging at Pier 39.
Haight-Ashbury
• Birthplace of the counterculture movement in the 1960s.
• Features eclectic shops and vintage boutiques.
Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions
Timing your visits to San Francisco’s attractions can significantly enhance your experience.
Golden Gate Bridge
Visit early in the morning to catch stunning sunrise views and fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Book a tour for late afternoon, ideally around 4 PM, for less crowding and a picturesque sunset.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Weekdays in the early morning keep crowds low, allowing for a relaxed stroll.
San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Francisco experiences a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool summers and foggy winters, which can vary significantly even within the same day. Visiting in September or October often provides the best weather, as clear skies and pleasant temperatures enhance your travel adventures.
Dining in San Francisco
Try the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, a dish that reflects San Francisco's maritime heritage and offers a comforting, hearty flavor profile distinct from the fusion cuisine often found in Los Angeles. The bustling waterfront atmosphere and fresh, locally-sourced seafood elevate the experience, immersing you in the city's rich culinary tradition.
Los Angeles - San Francisco operators
Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 714-839-3500Website
https://xedohoang.com/en
Bus from Chinatown Station to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich
Average Duration
5h 30mEstimated price
$50-50Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station
Average Duration
8h 10mEstimated price
$40-100Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://flixbus.com/
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station
Average Duration
9hEstimated price
$30-110Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
11h 15mEstimated price
$19-170Train from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
9h 25mEstimated price
$30-110Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
http://www.bart.gov
Train from Coliseum to Civic Center / UN Plaza
Average Duration
24mEstimated price
$3-5Train from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza
Average Duration
1h 5mEstimated price
$6-10Train from Berryessa / North San Jose to Civic Center / UN Plaza
Average Duration
1h 9mEstimated price
$7-10Website
southwest.com
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 26mEstimated price
$60-280Plane from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$85-340Website
delta.com
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$75-290Plane from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
1h 18mEstimated price
$90-350Website
united.com
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$75-360Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$80-480Website
aa.com
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$75-480Plane from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
1h 18mEstimated price
$95-480Website
spirit.com
Plane from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
1h 24mEstimated price
$55-310Website
jetblue.com
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$55-330Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 23mEstimated price
$21-140Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
http://www.caltrain.com
Other from San Jose Diridon Caltrain to San Francisco Caltrain
Average Duration
1h 39mEstimated price
$9-12Los Angeles to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Los Angeles 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 scenic road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco covering a distance of 618.0 km. Enjoy the journey along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway with breathtaking ocean views.
💰 Experience the flexibility of budget-friendly travel with prices ranging from $65 to $110 for the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Make pit stops at charming towns and roadside cafes for a true taste of California culture.
🌉 Arrive in San Francisco after approximately 6 hours and 21 minutes of driving, ready to explore the city's iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.
Average price
$65 - $110
🚂 Traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco by train is a scenic journey that involves a transfer at Lake Merritt. The entire trip takes approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes.
💸 Ticket prices for the train between Los Angeles and San Francisco range from $22 to $169, offering a range of options for travelers with different budgets. Whether you're eager to relax and enjoy the views or simply want an alternative to driving, the train journey is a comfortable way to reach the Bay Area from Southern California.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary depending on the operator. Amtrak's Coast Starlight offers a Café Car featuring a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals including sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Be sure to check their menu onboard for seasonal items. If you choose to travel with Caltrain, they currently do not have dining services onboard, so consider bringing your own snacks.
• For the Los Angeles to San Francisco route via Amtrak, you have several seating options: Business Class (more spacious seating and complimentary drinks), Coach Class (comfortable seating at a lower price), and First Class in Sleeper cars (includes a private room, meals, and more amenities). Caltrain offers only one class of service which is Economy, and seating is generally first-come-first-served. Be sure to book early for the best selection.
• Two primary train operators serve the LA to SF route: Amtrak (amtrak.com) and Caltrain (caltrain.com). Each offers different schedules and connections; check their websites for detailed timetables. Also, make sure to review local transport options such as buses and trams for further travel within San Francisco.
🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco by taking the direct flight, which only lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes.
💸 Depending on factors such as booking time and airline selection, the prices for flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles can range from $63 to $241, catering to different budget preferences.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The direct bus from Los Angeles to San Francisco, operated by Greyhound USA, departs from Los Angeles Union Station and arrives at San Francisco Bus Station. Services run five times a day, taking approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes for the journey.
🌁 Route options vary in duration, with one taking 10 hours and 10 minutes, another 10 hours and 20 minutes, and the quickest one at 8 hours and 57 minutes. These routes cover distances ranging from 564.9 km to 655.0 km, offering different scenic experiences along the way.
🎫 Ticket prices for buses between Los Angeles and San Francisco range from $30 to $110, making it a convenient and affordable transportation option for travelers exploring the beautiful cities of California.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider checking both Greyhound and FlixBus for your travel options as they offer different schedules and price points; you can find Greyhound's services at greyhound.com and FlixBus at flixbus.com
• To make your trip more comfortable, bring snacks and a water bottle, as while some buses may have stops, they might not allow ample time for dining; this will help you stay energized during the approximately 8-hour journey.
• Upon arrival at the San Francisco Bus Station, take a moment to review the local transport options; the station is conveniently located close to the Muni system, allowing you to easily navigate to downtown or other neighborhoods in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
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The cheapest way to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco is by taking a combination of bus and BART. You can catch a bus from Los Angeles to Oakland, and from there, take the BART train to San Francisco. This option typically costs between $40 and $65 and takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco is by flying. There are multiple airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, with a flight time of approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes. The cost of a flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, with prices typically ranging from $85 to $300.
The distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco is approximately 562 kilometers. If you prefer to drive, the road distance is around 617 kilometers.
The most convenient and affordable way to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco without a car is by taking a combination of bus and BART. You can board a bus from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with multiple carriers offering this service. Once in San Francisco, you can then take BART to your desired destination.
The travel time from Los Angeles to San Francisco is approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes, including transfers.
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco is by flying, with a travel time of 3 hours and 19 minutes, and ticket prices ranging from $60 to $260. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option, taking a bus would be a good choice, with prices ranging from $30 to $110 and a travel time of 8 hours and 10 minutes. Another option would be to take a train, which takes 11 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $21 and $170.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in the area start at around $74 per night.
Yes, you can drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The driving distance is approximately 618 km and it takes about 6 hours and 21 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and consider making stops along the way for rest and to enjoy scenic viewpoints such as the Pacific Coast Highway.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The bus departs from Los Angeles Union Station and arrives at San Francisco Bus Station. The bus service operates three times a day, every day. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes.
To catch the bus from Los Angeles to San Francisco you need to go to the Los Angeles Union Station. This is the main bus terminal in Los Angeles and serves as a departure point for various bus companies, including Greyhound USA. Once you arrive at the station, look for the designated area or ticket counter for Greyhound buses heading to San Francisco.
The bus from Los Angeles to San Francisco arrives at the San Francisco Bus Station.
JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Delta, and three other airlines offer flights from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport.
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco is by plane. The quickest flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport is a direct flight, which takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airlines such as JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Delta offer flights between the two cities, with the journey taking around 3 hours and 19 minutes. Prices for flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco can range from $63 to $251, depending on the airline and time of booking.
The flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco usually takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes on a direct flight.
Trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco arrive at the Oakland station. Oakland station is conveniently located in the city of Oakland, which is across the bay from San Francisco. From the Oakland station, travelers can easily access San Francisco using various transportation options such as BART, buses, or even ferries. The station's strategic location provides easy connectivity to the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Yes, there is a train service that operates between Los Angeles and San Francisco, but there is no direct train. Passengers would need to transfer at the Lake Merritt station to reach the final destination of Civic Center / UN Plaza. The total travel time for this train journey, including transfers, is approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes.
To catch the train from Los Angeles to San Francisco you will need to go to the Los Angeles station. The train services are operated by Amtrak, and they offer multiple departures throughout the day. It is advisable to check the Amtrak schedule for the most up-to-date information on departure times and ticket availability.
The cost of a flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco can vary depending on factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the demand. On average, prices can range from $63 to $251.
The cost of a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Francisco can range from $22 to $169 depending on the class of service and the type of ticket.
The cost of a bus ticket from Los Angeles to San Francisco can range from $30 to $110 depending on the bus company and type of service chosen. It's recommended to compare prices and book in advance for the best deals. Some popular bus companies that operate this route are Greyhound, Megabus, and Flixbus.
The cost to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco can vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, gas prices, and tolls. On average, you can expect to spend around $65 to $110 for the fuel alone. Additionally, you may also need to factor in the cost of tolls, which can range from $5 to $10 depending on the route you choose.
Trips from Los Angeles
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Trips to San Francisco
- Las Vegas to San Francisco
- Santa Cruz to San Francisco
- Sacramento to San Francisco
- Monterey to San Francisco
- Pasadena to San Francisco
- Santa Barbara to San Francisco
- Oakland to San Francisco
- San Diego to San Francisco
- New York to San Francisco
- Portland to San Francisco
- Seattle to San Francisco
- Chicago to San Francisco
- Vancouver to San Francisco
- Denver to San Francisco
- Miami to San Francisco
- San Jose to San Francisco
- Yosemite National Park to San Francisco
- Reno to San Francisco
- Big Sur to San Francisco
- Lake Tahoe to San Francisco