San Francisco, CA, USA to South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA from $30: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$30 by carBest price

249 kmDistance

2h 45m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe 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 - South Lake Tahoe operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 925-382-8320

Website

http://tahoeskitrips.net

Bus from San Francisco - 16th St to Heavenly Valley Ski Lodge

Average Duration

Estimated price

$114-114

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

http://flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Sacramento

Average Duration

2h 5m

Estimated price

$114-1149

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

http://amtrak.com

Bus from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

2h 20m

Estimated price

0-0

Contact phone

+1 866-898-2463

Website

http://southtahoeairporter.com

Bus from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to LTRH

Average Duration

1h 36m

Estimated price

$1200-1201

Plane

Website

http://united.com

Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Reno (RNO)

Average Duration

1h 14m

Estimated price

$150-1145

Website

http://southwest.com

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Reno (RNO)

Average Duration

55m

Estimated price

$120-1141

Website

http://iflysouthern.com

Plane from San Carlos (SQL) to Truckee (TKF)

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$1146-1147

Taxi

Contact phone

+1 530-412-1927

Website

http://highsierrataxi.net

Taxi from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$1207-1208

Contact phone

+1 530-414-1547

Taxi from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

0-0

San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe 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 journey from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe spanning 189 miles. Enjoy approximately 3.5 hours of picturesque drive through the Sierra Nevada mountains. 💰 Travel costs to reach South Lake Tahoe from San Francisco by car typically range between $30 to $50, making it an affordable and rewarding road trip option for exploring the stunning beauty of the Tahoe region.

Average price

$30 - $50

🛫 Flying from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe is quick and convenient with a direct flight from San Carlos Airport to Truckee Airport, which takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Departure Point

San Carlos Airport

Arrival Point

Truckee Airport

🚌 Despite there being no direct bus from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, travelers can still reach their destination with a journey lasting approximately 5 hours and 47 minutes. The route involves transfers in Sacramento and South Y Transit Center, operated by Flixbus USA and Amtrak. 🗺️ Route 1 spans 263 miles and takes 16 hours and 56 minutes to reach South Lake Tahoe from San Francisco, with 3 transfers via Reno, Carson City, and Douglas County. Passengers will experience varied landscapes and services provided by different transportation agencies. 💰 Depending on the chosen route and service provider, the price of a bus ticket between South Lake Tahoe and San Francisco can range from $114 to $120. Travelers can enjoy the scenic journey and convenient transfers before arriving at their final destination in South Lake Tahoe.

Departure Point

San Francisco station

Arrival Point

South Lake Tahoe Amtrak Bus Stop station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe.

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The distance between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 249.4 km by road, with a road distance of 305.0 km. By train and bus, it takes about 6 hours and 45 minutes to travel from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe. If you choose to drive, it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach San Francisco from South Lake Tahoe. Alternatively, taking a bus from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe would typically take around 9 hours and 1 minute.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe is by driving. It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the cost is around $30-$50.

The prices for a bus ticket from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe can vary between $259 and $277.

To get from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe without using public transportation, you can take a car. The driving distance between the two locations is approximately 304.2 km, and it usually takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Renting a car or using your own vehicle would give you the flexibility to explore the scenic route and make stops along the way. The cost of gas and tolls can vary, but it is generally around $30 to $50 for the round trip.

The best way to travel from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe without a car is by taking a train and then a bus. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes. The train ride from San Francisco to Sacramento takes about 2 hours and then a bus from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes.

No, there is no direct link between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe. However, there are bus services available with transfers along the way. The journey typically takes around 9 hours and includes stops at Tahoe Mountain Resort, Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and Stateline Transit Center. The services are operated by Tahoe Ski Trips and South Tahoe Airporter.

The flight between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe typically takes around 1 hour and 3 minutes on a direct flight. The cost of the flight varies depending on the airline and the time of booking, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300. It's important to note that there are no direct flights between San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe as the closest airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, located in Reno, Nevada.

There are numerous accommodation options available near South Lake Tahoe. With over 640 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 $35 per night, providing affordable choices for visitors.