San Francisco, CA, USA to Santa Monica, CA, USA from $26: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Francisco to Santa Monica: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$26 by trainBest price

550 kmDistance

3h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Santa Monica 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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San Francisco - Santa Monica operators

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

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Average Duration

7h 15m

Estimated price

$649-2410

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Oakland to Los Angeles

Average Duration

12h 2m

Estimated price

$2415-2416

Train from San Francisco to Westwood UCLA Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

8h 35m

Estimated price

$0-0

Plane

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

1h 22m

Estimated price

$2411-2417

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

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$2418-2419

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Burbank (BUR)

Average Duration

1h 12m

Estimated price

$648-260

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Burbank (BUR)

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$261-262

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Long Beach (LGB)

Average Duration

1h 25m

Estimated price

$263-264

Website

united.com

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

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$265-260

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

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$266-267

Website

delta.com

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

Average Duration

1h 32m

Estimated price

$2418-269

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

Average Duration

1h 27m

Estimated price

$2410-1772

all-pages.other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Other from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Coliseum

Average Duration

25m

Estimated price

$1779-560

Other from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$561-562

Contact phone

+1-323-466-3876

Website

metro.net

Other from North Hollywood Station to 7th Street / Metro Center Station

Average Duration

26m

Estimated price

$563-563

Other from 7th Street / Metro Center Station to Downtown Santa Monica Station

Average Duration

46m

Estimated price

$563-563

Other from Del Amo Station to Pico Station

Average Duration

39m

Estimated price

$563-563

Other from Pico Station to Downtown Santa Monica Station

Average Duration

44m

Estimated price

$565-565

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

caltrain.com

Other from San Francisco Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration

1h 41m

Estimated price

$566-5642

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Santa Monica 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 journey from San Francisco to Santa Monica, covering a total driving distance of 383 miles in approximately 6 hours and 19 minutes. 💰 Prices for this road trip adventure range from $65 to $100, offering flexibility for travelers to choose the best option that suits their budget and preferences.

Average price

$65 - $100

🚆 The total travel time from San Francisco to Santa Monica by train, including transfers, is approximately 14 hours and 33 minutes. Passengers can enjoy the varied landscapes of California as they make their way from the Bay Area to the Southern California coast. 🚆 Fares for the train trip between San Francisco and Santa Monica range from $26 to $177, offering travelers an affordable and convenient option to explore the state by rail. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride through the Golden State on this unforgettable train journey.

Departure Point

Oakland station

Arrival Point

Los Angeles station

🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from San Francisco to Santa Monica with a direct flight lasting just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Several reputable airlines including Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines provide options for this route.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Los Angeles Airport

🚌 Despite there being no direct bus from San Francisco to Santa Monica, travelers can take a bus operated by Flixbus USA departing from San Francisco and arriving in Los Angeles. The journey, with transfers, typically lasts around 8 hours and 16 minutes. 💸 The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Monica and San Francisco can vary, ranging from $33 to $105. Travelers can enjoy a scenic and cost-effective option for exploring the California coast by choosing to travel by bus.

Departure Point

San Francisco station

Arrival Point

Los Angeles station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Santa Monica.

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The distance between San Francisco and Santa Monica is approximately 550 km by road. It takes around 6 hours and 19 minutes to drive between the two cities by car. Alternatively, if you prefer public transportation, it takes 8 hours and 15 minutes by bus or 14 hours and 35 minutes by train. Another option is to fly from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then take a bus, which takes about 4 hours and 2 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Santa Monica is by bus, with ticket prices ranging from $30 to $110. This mode of transportation takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, for a quicker journey, flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then taking a line 3 bus to Santa Monica is a time-efficient option, with a travel time of 4 hours and 2 minutes. However, this option is slightly more expensive, with ticket prices ranging from $60 to $260.

The prices for a train journey between San Francisco and Santa Monica range from $26 to $177. On the other hand, the prices for a bus trip between the two cities range from $33 to $105.

To get from San Francisco to Santa Monica without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 616 km. It typically takes around 6 hours and 19 minutes to drive from San Francisco to Santa Monica. The cost for this option can vary from $65 to $100, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.

If you are looking to travel from San Francisco to Santa Monica without a car, the best mode of transportation would be by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes and fares range from $30 to $110.

There is no direct train link between San Francisco and Santa Monica. However, there are train services available with transfers that take approximately 14 hours and 35 minutes. The journey includes transfers at Oakland, Union Station - Metro B & D Lines, and 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Lines. Similarly, there is no direct bus connection, but buses can be taken with transfers that take around 8 hours and 15 minutes. The journey includes transfers at various stops, such as Gayley Sb & Strathmore Fs and Lincoln Sb & Santa Monica Ns.

The flight between San Francisco and Santa Monica typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Santa Monica. With over 1410 hotels to choose from, you will have a wide range of choices depending on your budget and preferences. Prices start at $87 per night, so you can find something suitable for your needs.