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Pasadena, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $23: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Pasadena, United States
to
San Francisco, United States

How to Get from Pasadena 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.

$23 by trainBest price
560 kmDistance
3h 48m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Pasadena 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
Tram
Plane
Average Duration
3h  48m
Estimated price
$65-243
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
13h  13m
Estimated price
$23-176
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 560 km
Duration: 3h 48m

See more options

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
10h  23m
Estimated price
$37-122
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
10h  1m
Estimated price
$42-97
Company
various
Tram
Plane
BART
Average Duration
3h  57m
Estimated price
$57-304
Company
Metro Los Angeles
Bus
BART
Average Duration
8h  53m
Estimated price
$60-67
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  20m
Estimated price
$70-110
Company
various
Tram
Plane
Average Duration
4h  52m
Estimated price
$90-302
Company
various
Tram
Plane
BART
Average Duration
4h  55m
Estimated price
$92-403
Company
various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
6h  11m
Estimated price
$114-384
Company
various
Tram
Plane
Average Duration
5h  44m
Estimated price
$516-1418
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Traveling From Pasadena to San Francisco

The journey from Pasadena's sun-soaked charm to San Francisco's iconic fog and vibrant culture offers a striking contrast between laid-back Southern California and the dynamic, bustling energy of Northern California.

Best Neighborhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco is home to diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct charm.

Mission District
• Vibrant street art adorns almost every wall.
• Excellent Mexican food and trendy eateries abound.
Chinatown
• One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns outside Asia.
• Unique shops and authentic dim sum restaurants await.
Haight-Ashbury
• Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement.
• Eclectic boutiques and vintage shops line the streets.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at San Francisco's iconic spots.

Golden Gate Bridge
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light.
Alcatraz Island
Book your tour for mid-week to avoid weekend tourist influx.
Fisherman's Wharf
Arrive early in the morning to enjoy fresh seafood without the rush.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by cool summers and mild winters, with fog frequently rolling in, especially during the summer months. Visiting in September to October often offers the warmest and driest conditions, while the weather can influence outdoor plans and overall travel enjoyment.

Dining Recommendation

Try the Dungeness crab sandwich at Fisherman’s Wharf, where fresh, local seafood takes center stage and offers a taste of San Francisco’s coastal bounty. This dish captures the city's vibrant culinary scene and contrasts with Pasadena’s typically land-based fare, allowing you to experience a lively atmosphere filled with ocean breezes and bustling markets.

Pasadena - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Pasadena and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Los Angeles to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration
8h 15m
Estimated price
$40-95
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$35-120
Contact phone
+1 714-839-3500
Website
https://www.gotobus.com/hoangexpress/

Bus from Chinatown Station to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich

Average Duration
5h 30m
Estimated price
$50-50
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Los Angeles to Oakland

Average Duration
11h 15m
Estimated price
$19-170
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
https://www.metro.net/

Train from Del Mar Station to Union Station - Metro A-Line

Average Duration
22m
Estimated price
$2-2

Train from Memorial Park Station to Union Station - Metro A-Line

Average Duration
23m
Estimated price
$2-2

Train from Memorial Park Station to Del Amo Station

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$2-2
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.southwest.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$60-280

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 21m
Estimated price
$85-340
Website
https://www.united.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 33m
Estimated price
$75-360

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 33m
Estimated price
$120-390
Website
https://www.alaskaair.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 29m
Estimated price
$55-310

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$130-700
Website
https://www.delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$75-290

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$90-350
Website
https://www.aa.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$75-480

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$130-700
Website
https://www.spirit.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 24m
Estimated price
$55-310

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$80-430
Website
https://www.jsx.com

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$30-260
Website
https://www.jetblue.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$55-330

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$30-260
Website
https://www.flyfrontier.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$21-140

Pasadena to San Francisco: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Pasadena 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 picturesque road trip from Pasadena to San Francisco, covering a distance of 619.6 km. Enjoy the scenic beauty of California while cruising along the open highways for approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes. 💸 Explore a range of budget options for your journey, with car travel costs typically ranging from $70 to $110 for the round trip between Pasadena and San Francisco. 🌉 Arrive in San Francisco, a vibrant city known for its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Average price
$70 - $110
🚆 Starting your journey from Pasadena to San Francisco by train requires a bit of planning due to the lack of a direct route. With a mix of services departing from Memorial Park Station and arriving at Civic Center / UN Plaza, the trip will take approximately 13 hours and 13 minutes with transfers in Los Angeles and Lake Merritt. 🌉 Enjoy the scenic ride as you depart from Los Angeles station, operated by Amtrak, and make your way to Oakland station in San Francisco. The journey from Pasadena to San Francisco by train promises picturesque views and a comfortable travel experience to the Bay Area. 💰 The prices for a train ticket between Pasadena and San Francisco can range from $23 to $176, offering affordable and flexible options for travelers looking to explore California by rail.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for the Amtrak Coast Starlight include a cafe car offering a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can also enjoy complimentary meals in the dining car if you are traveling in Business or First Class. Be sure to check the menu in advance to see what options appeal to you!
• The Amtrak Coast Starlight provides different seating options: Coach Class (Economy) which has reclining seats and access to the lounge car, Business Class that offers roomier seats with extra legroom and complimentary snacks, and First Class featuring private rooms with meals included. Choose according to your comfort preference and budget.
• Several operators run trains between Pasadena and San Francisco, including Amtrak (amtrak.com). For alternative travel options, consider looking at Greyhound (greyhound.com) for bus routes. Useful links include Amtrak’s California train schedules at (amtrak.com) and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency website at (sfmta.com) for public transport information.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Pasadena to San Francisco is by taking a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. 💸 The prices for flights between San Francisco and Pasadena can range from $114 to $384, offering travelers flexibility in finding a fare that suits their budget for this approximately 6-hour journey.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Despite not having a direct route, travelers can enjoy a scenic bus journey from Pasadena to San Francisco. The trip involves transfers and takes approximately 10 hours and 1 minute. 🚏 Greyhound USA operates the bus services that depart from Los Angeles, making their way to San Francisco Bus Station. The cost of these bus tickets can range from $42 to $97, offering an affordable travel option for those exploring California.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Pasadena to San Francisco.

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The distance between Pasadena and San Francisco is approximately 560.1 km by air and 619.1 km by road. The typical travel time by train is 13 hours and 14 minutes, while flying via tram and airplane takes around 3 hours and 59 minutes. If driving, it usually takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes to reach San Francisco from Pasadena, while taking a bus can take approximately 9 hours and 34 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Pasadena to San Francisco is by taking the bus and BART. This option takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes and costs between $40 and $70. However, if time efficiency is a priority, a quicker option is to tram to Los Angeles and then fly to San Francisco. This option takes about 3 hours and 59 minutes, with prices ranging from $65 to $260.
The prices for a train ticket from Pasadena to San Francisco range from $23 to $176. On the other hand, the bus fare from San Francisco to Pasadena can cost between $42 and $102.
To get from Pasadena to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 619.6 km, and it takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes to drive. Depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls, the cost of the journey by car can vary between $70 and $110.
To travel from Pasadena to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a bus and BART. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes and the cost is usually between $40 to $70. Taking the bus allows you to relax and enjoy the scenic route, while BART provides convenient transportation within the city.
Yes, there is a link between Pasadena and San Francisco but it requires transfers. The train journey takes approximately 13 hours and 14 minutes, with transfers at Los Angeles and Lake Merritt. The bus journey takes approximately 10 hours and 6 minutes, with transfers at Atlantic/Floral and Los Angeles Downtown.
The flight between Pasadena and San Francisco typically takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but it is generally around $100 to $200.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers are likely to find something that suits their preferences and budget. Prices start at $74 per night, providing a range of affordable options for visitors.