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
Traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco offers you a fascinating contrast between LA's sunny beaches and vibrant entertainment culture and San Francisco's iconic hills, historic architecture, and a cooler, fog-laden ambiance.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm.
Mission District
• Renowned for its vibrant street art scene.
• Offers some of the best Mexican food in the city.
Chinatown
• One of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the U.S.
• Experience authentic Chinese culture and cuisine.
Haight-Ashbury
• Famous for its historic role in the 1960s counterculture.
• Unique vintage shops and eclectic atmosphere abound.
Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions
Timing your visit can significantly enhance your experience in San Francisco.
Golden Gate Bridge
Visit early in the morning or during weekday afternoons to avoid crowds.
Alcatraz Island
Opt for early boat tours to enjoy fewer tourists and clear views.
Fisherman's Wharf
Go on weekdays, especially in the early afternoon, for a more relaxed atmosphere.
San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Francisco experiences a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool summers and foggy mornings, often making layers essential during your visit. The best times to explore the city are typically in the fall and spring, when you'll enjoy pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Dining Recommendation
For an unforgettable experience, try the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery, a San Francisco staple that showcases the city’s rich maritime history. This dish offers a hearty, warming contrast to Los Angeles' fresh, health-focused cuisine, with its blend of local seafood and artisanal bread reflecting San Francisco's unique culinary heritage.
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 spanning 384 miles, showcasing the diverse beauty of California landscapes along the way. Drive time averaging 6 hours and 21 minutes promises an enjoyable journey filled with picturesque vistas.
💰 Discover budget-friendly options with car travel costs ranging between $65 to $110 for the adventure from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Enjoy the flexibility of self-navigation and the opportunity to explore hidden gems en route to the iconic Golden Gate City.
Average price
$65 - $110
Useful tips for car travellers
• Along the I-5 and CA-99 route, gas station availability is plentiful, with prices averaging around $1.40 per liter; however, expect to pay more in the Bay Area, where prices can soar to $1.80 per liter.
• Be aware that certain parts of San Francisco have restricted traffic zones, especially in the downtown area; consider using navigation tools like Google Maps or Waze to avoid congestion and find the quickest route, as there are often detours due to road work.
• When arriving in San Francisco, budget for parking as rates can range from $30 to $60 per day; look for garages in the financial district or use apps like SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
🚆 Traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco by train involves a scenic journey with transfers along the way, lasting approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes.
💸 The prices of train tickets between Los Angeles and San Francisco can range from $22 to $169, offering travelers a convenient and affordable transportation option for exploring the West Coast.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
Oakland station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services for your train trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco vary by operator, but Amtrak’s Coast Starlight offers a café car with a range of snacks and beverages, including coffee, sandwiches, and more. They also provide optional full-service dining for First Class passengers, where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals with table service.
• When booking your trip, Amtrak offers multiple seating options. In First Class, you’ll have access to spacious, comfortable seating with extra legroom, complimentary meals, and a lounge area. Business Class provides reclining seats with adjustable footrests and access to the café car. In Economy Class, you can expect standard seating arrangements that are still comfortable for a long journey, but they do not include additional meal services.
• Amtrak is the primary operator for this route. For more information, visit their website at amtrak.com Another option is Greyhound for a bus journey which offers alternative schedules. Useful links include local transport schedules for the Bay Area at sfmta.com and station maps for downtown San Francisco's transit at bayarea transit.com.
🛫 Flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco is a quick and convenient option, with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 20 minutes. Several airlines, including Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines, offer flights on this route.
🌉 Upon arrival in San Francisco, you can expect a total flight time of around 3 hours and 23 minutes from Los Angeles. This gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenic journey between these two iconic California cities.
💸 Prices for flights between San Francisco and Los Angeles can range from $63 to $241, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences. With multiple airlines serving this route, finding a suitable flight at a desirable price is attainable.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking your flight early in the day as morning skies are often clearer, reducing the chances of flight delays caused by fog in San Francisco.
• Upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), follow the signs to the AirTrain for a quick connection to the BART station, which conveniently links you to downtown San Francisco.
• Expect to pay around $50-$65 for a taxi ride from SFO to the city center; alternatively, using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft can be a more cost-effective option, often slightly cheaper depending on traffic.
🚌 The direct bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station operated by Greyhound USA runs five times a day, taking approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes for the journey.
🛣️ The distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco is 407 miles, and the bus ticket prices range from $30 to $110 for this trip, making it a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your bus with FlixBus or Greyhound for your trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, as both offer multiple daily departures and competitive pricing options; check their schedules at greyhound.com or flixbus.com
• Make sure to arrive at Los Angeles Union Station about 30 minutes before departure to find your platform, as this station can get busy and may require some time to navigate through.
• Once you arrive at the San Francisco Bus Station, expect a busy environment; be aware that the station is well connected to public transport, including BART and Muni, making it easy to continue your journey; check route maps and schedules at sfmta.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
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The distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco is 349 miles or 383.6 miles by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: by train, it takes 11 hours and 50 minutes; by tram and flight, it takes 5 hours and 7 minutes; by plane, it takes 3 hours and 19 minutes; by car, it takes 6 hours and 21 minutes; and by bus, it takes 8 hours and 10 minutes. These travel times may vary depending on traffic and other factors.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco is by taking a bus and BART, which costs between $40 and $65 and takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes. This option is slightly longer in terms of duration but offers a more affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. However, if time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 18 minutes at a cost of $85 to $300. This option allows travelers to reach their destination in a shorter amount of time but comes at a higher price.
The prices for traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco vary depending on the mode of transportation. For the train, prices can range from $22 to $169. While for the bus, prices can vary from $30 to $110. It is recommended to check with the specific train or bus company for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Los Angeles to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 384 miles, which takes approximately 6 hours and 21 minutes. You have the option to rent a car or use your own vehicle. The cost for the trip by car can range from $65 to $110, depending on factors such as the type of car and gas prices.
To travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco without a car, you have several options. One option is to take a bus and BART, which takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes and costs around $40-$65. Another option is to fly, which takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes and costs about $60-$260. Additionally, you can choose to take a bus, which takes around 8 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $30-$110. Finally, you can take a train, which takes approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $21-$170.
Yes, there is a direct link between Los Angeles and San Francisco by bus. Greyhound USA operates daily services that depart from Los Angeles Union Station and arrive at San Francisco Bus Station, with a journey time of approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes. However, there is no direct train connection between the two cities. Amtrak operates train services that require a transfer at Oakland and have a total journey time of around 11 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight between Los Angeles and San Francisco typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, with prices ranging from $63 to $251. Once you arrive in San Francisco, there are several transportation options to get to the city. The best way is to take a bus, which takes about 39 minutes and costs $10.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can find something to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at $74, providing options for both budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a more luxurious stay. From boutique hotels to well-known chains, there is a wide range of choices for visitors to enjoy their stay near San Francisco.
Trips from Los Angeles
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Trips to San Francisco
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- Santa Barbara to San Francisco
- San Diego to San Francisco
- New York City to San Francisco
- Ontario to San Francisco
- Portland to San Francisco
- Seattle to San Francisco
- San Bernardino to San Francisco
- Redding to San Francisco
- Chicago to San Francisco
- Houston to San Francisco
- Atlanta to San Francisco
- Tampa to San Francisco
- Toronto to San Francisco
- San Jose to San Francisco
- Sequoia National Park to San Francisco
- Berkeley to San Francisco
- Charlotte to San Francisco
- Reno to San Francisco
- Anaheim to San Francisco
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