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Carlsbad, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $25: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Carlsbad, United States of America
to
San Francisco, United States of America

How to Get from Carlsbad 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.

$25 by trainBest price
757 kmDistance
4h 3m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Carlsbad 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
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  3m
Estimated price
$75-290
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
14h  50m
Estimated price
$25-248
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 757 km
Duration: 4h 3m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Plane
BART
Average Duration
5h  28m
Estimated price
$49-302
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  12m
Estimated price
$62-300
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  27m
Estimated price
$84-750
Company
various
Train
Plane
BART
Average Duration
5h  27m
Estimated price
$751-752
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
11h  43m
Estimated price
$753-754
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
12h  13m
Estimated price
$755-756
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  47m
Estimated price
$757-758
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Traveling From Carlsbad to San Francisco

The drive from Carlsbad to San Francisco offers a fascinating blend of coastal tranquility and urban vibrancy, showcasing everything from sunny beaches to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Mission District
• Vibrant street art and murals fill the streets.
• Known for its trendy eateries and bars.
Chinatown
• One of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia.
• Explore unique shops and authentic dim sum.
North Beach
• Home to San Francisco’s Italian heritage and cafes.
• Close proximity to Coit Tower and beautiful views.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your San Francisco experience and minimize crowds.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or weekday afternoons offer a quieter experience and stunning views.
Alcatraz Island
Book tours for the first ferry of the day to escape the crowds.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Visit in the late morning on weekdays to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a mild climate characterized by cool summers and foggy mornings, making layers a must for your visit. The best times to enjoy outdoor activities are typically in the fall and spring, when the weather is most pleasant and crowds are thinner.

Dining Recommendation

For a true taste of San Francisco, try the clam chowder served in a fresh sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery, a beloved local institution. This dish reflects the city's rich maritime heritage and contrasts with Carlsbad's beachside fare by showcasing bold, complex flavors and a unique dining atmosphere steeped in history.

Carlsbad - San Francisco operators

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

Train Show train routes
Website
gonctd.com

Train from Carlsbad Village Station to San Diego - Old Town

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$256-257
Website
metrolinktrains.com

Train from Oceanside station to Tustin station

Average Duration
57m
Estimated price
$258-2569
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Oceanside to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$259-75

Train from Los Angeles to Oakland

Average Duration
11h 15m
Estimated price
$2482-2488
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Oceanside Transportation Center to Oakland

Average Duration
10h 15m
Estimated price
$2901-2903
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to San Francisco

Average Duration
10h 25m
Estimated price
$759-2489
Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$2904-7550
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$2908-250
Website
united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
$2905-251
Website
spirit.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$253-300
Website
flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
$253-250
Website
delta.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK) via Los Angeles

Average Duration
3h 22m
Estimated price
$2903-7550

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

Traveling between Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad to San Francisco, spanning a distance of 471 miles. Set aside around 7 hours and 47 minutes for the journey, allowing for memorable pit stops and breathtaking coastal views along the way. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options for your drive from Carlsbad to San Francisco, with costs typically ranging from $85 to $130. Plan your budget accordingly, factoring in fuel expenses and any additional amenities you may wish to indulge in during your travel.
Average price
$85 - $130
🛤️ The entire trip duration, including transfers, spans approximately 14 hours and 50 minutes. The services are operated by Amtrak, with departures from Oceanside station and arrivals at Oakland station in San Francisco. 💸 Ticket prices for the train ride from Carlsbad to San Francisco range between $25 and $248, offering travelers a range of options to suit their budget and preferences for this scenic rail adventure.
Departure Point
Oceanside station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
🛫 Flying from Carlsbad to San Francisco is a convenient and quick option. The direct flight from San Diego Airport to San Francisco Airport typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Various airlines like Frontier, United, Alaska, and Southwest offer flights on this route.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Carlsbad to San Francisco spanning approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes. 💵 The prices for bus tickets between San Francisco and Carlsbad typically range from $54 to $129, offering budget-friendly options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Carlsbad and San Francisco is approximately 430 miles by air and 471 miles by road. The typical travel time by train from Carlsbad to San Francisco is 14 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, taking a train to San Diego and then flying to San Francisco can take about 3 hours and 58 minutes. If driving, it usually takes around 7 hours and 47 minutes to reach Carlsbad from San Francisco by car, while the bus journey can take approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Carlsbad to San Francisco is by train and night bus, which typically costs between $40 and $150 and takes around 12 hours and 13 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option would be to take a train to San Diego and then fly to San Francisco, which usually costs between $65 and $290 and takes approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and time constraints.
The prices of a train ticket between Carlsbad and San Francisco can range from $25 to $248, depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of booking. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between San Francisco and Carlsbad vary from $54 to $129. It is recommended to check for any current promotions or discounts available to get the best price for the chosen mode of transportation.
To get from Carlsbad to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is approximately 471 miles and the driving time is around 7 hours and 47 minutes. The cost of fuel for the trip can vary from $85 to $130 depending on the car's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
The most convenient way to travel from Carlsbad to San Francisco without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes and tickets cost between $50 and $130. This is a budget-friendly option for those who prefer not to drive and allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery along the way.
There is no direct train connection between Carlsbad and San Francisco. However, you can take a train from Carlsbad to San Diego and then fly to San Francisco, which takes around 3 hours and 58 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive between the two cities, which takes around 7 hours and 47 minutes. There is also a bus option, which takes around 11 hours and 43 minutes.
The flight between Carlsbad and San Francisco typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. This is for a direct flight from San Diego Airport to San Francisco Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, but generally, prices range from $100 to $300 per person for a one-way ticket.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of choices suitable for their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in San Francisco start at $74 per night, offering affordable options for those on a tight budget. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly accommodations, there is something to suit every traveler's needs in and around San Francisco.

Trips to San Francisco