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

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

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$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.

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Traveling From Pasadena to San Francisco

The journey from Pasadena to San Francisco offers a striking contrast between the sunny charm of Southern California and the iconic, fog-kissed hills of Northern California.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods brimming with culture and charm.

Mission District

• Vibrant street art scene enhances the city's creative spirit.

• Renowned for its delicious Mexican cuisine and trendy cafes.

Fisherman's Wharf

• Offers stunning waterfront views and bustling activity.

• Home to famous sea lions at Pier 39.

Haight-Ashbury

• Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement.

• Unique shops and vintage clothing stores abound.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your San Francisco experiences.

Golden Gate Bridge

Early morning or late afternoon offers fewer crowds and stunning light.

Alcatraz Island

Visit right at opening or late afternoon for shorter lines.

Fisherman's Wharf

Weekday visits, especially in the morning, minimize congestion.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco experiences a mild, Mediterranean climate with cool summers and foggy winters, making layers essential for exploring the city. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are pleasant, while winter weather can influence outdoor plans.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Indulge in fresh Dungeness crab at the Fisherman’s Wharf, where the vibrant atmosphere and direct access to the ocean's bounty offer a dining experience unlike any in Pasadena. The bold flavors and emphasis on local seafood highlight San Francisco's culinary identity, setting it apart from the more traditional dishes found in Southern California.

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

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 an exciting road trip from Pasadena to San Francisco, covering a picturesque driving distance of 385 miles through the scenic beauty of California. 💰 Experience flexible pricing options ranging from $70 to $110 for the journey by car, offering an affordable and convenient travel choice for explorers. 🌉 Enjoy a leisurely 6-hour and 20-minute drive from Pasadena to San Francisco, soaking in the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture along the way.

Average price

$70 - $110

🚆 Traveling from Pasadena to San Francisco by train is a scenic journey that involves transfers through Los Angeles and Oakland. The total travel time is approximately 13 hours and 13 minutes, making it a leisurely way to explore California's landscape. 🚆 The train services operated by Amtrak provide a convenient option for travelers looking to experience a mix of urban and natural settings along the route. The prices for a train ticket between Pasadena and San Francisco range from $23 to $176, offering flexibility to match various budgets.

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.

🛫 Flying from Pasadena to San Francisco is a quick and convenient option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport. Several reputable airlines such as Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines provide options for this route. 🌉 The journey by plane offers a significant time savings compared to other modes of transportation, taking approximately 6 hours and 11 minutes to reach San Francisco from Pasadena. This makes flying a practical choice for travelers looking to get to their destination efficiently. 💸 Prices for flights between San Francisco and Pasadena can vary, with tickets typically ranging from $114 to $384. It's recommended to compare different airlines and booking options to find the best deal for your trip.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🚌 The journey from Pasadena to San Francisco by bus involves a transfer in Los Angeles and takes approximately 10 hours and 1 minute. 🚌 Prices for a bus ticket between San Francisco and Pasadena range from $42 to $97, offering a cost-effective transportation option for travelers making the trip.

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.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Pasadena and San Francisco is approximately 348 miles by air. Traveling by train takes about 13 hours and 14 minutes, while taking a tram to Los Angeles and then flying to San Francisco takes around 3 hours and 59 minutes. If driving, it typically takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes to travel from Pasadena to San Francisco by car, and about 9 hours and 34 minutes by bus.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Pasadena to San Francisco is by bus and BART. This option takes about 8 hours and 55 minutes and costs between $40 and $70. If time efficiency is a priority, the quickest option is to take a tram and then fly. This option takes about 3 hours and 59 minutes and costs between $65 and $260.

The prices of a train ticket between Pasadena and San Francisco can range from $23 to $176, depending on factors such as the class of ticket and availability. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between San Francisco and Pasadena can range from $42 to $102, again depending on factors such as bus company and type of seat. It is recommended to check with specific providers and book in advance to secure the best price for your preferred mode of transportation.

To get from Pasadena to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance is approximately 385 miles, and it takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes to reach San Francisco by car. The prices for renting a car and fuel costs typically range from $70 to $110, depending on the type of vehicle and gas prices.

To travel from Pasadena to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a bus and then the Bay Area Rapid Transit. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 55 minutes, and the cost ranges from $40 to $70. You can catch a bus from Pasadena to a BART station, where you can then take the train to downtown San Francisco. This option is convenient and cost-effective for those who prefer not to drive.

No, there is no direct link between Pasadena and San Francisco. The most convenient way to travel between the two cities is by train or bus. The train journey takes approximately 13 hours and 14 minutes, with transfers in Los Angeles and Oakland. The bus journey takes around 10 hours and 6 minutes, with transfers in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The flight duration from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport is typically around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and demand, but it is generally affordable. It is recommended to check with different airlines and booking platforms to find the best deals for flights between Pasadena and San Francisco.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels available, there are choices to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels start at $74 per night, offering affordable options for those looking for budget-friendly stays. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or cozy bed and breakfasts, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect place to stay near San Francisco.

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

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Pasadena to San Francisco

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Pasadena - San Francisco operators

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

Useful tips for train travellers

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Pasadena

Trips to San Francisco

Popular routes