San Francisco, CA, USA to Malibu, CA, USA from $35: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$35 by busBest price

538 kmDistance

5h 6m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Malibu 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 San Francisco to Malibu

Traveling from San Francisco to Malibu offers a striking contrast between the iconic fog and vibrant city life of San Francisco and the sunny beaches and laid-back charm of Malibu.

Best Neighbourhoods in Malibu

Malibu boasts several neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences and attractions.

Zuma Beach

• Famous for its wide sandy shores.

• Great for swimming and sunbathing.

Point Dume

• Offers stunning ocean views and hiking trails.

• Home to the iconic Point Dume State Beach.

Malibu Colony

• A residential area favored by celebrities.

• Features exclusive beachfront properties.

Best Times To Visit Malibu's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Malibu's stunning attractions.

Zuma Beach

Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Point Dume State Beach

Weekdays during spring offer a quieter atmosphere and blooming scenery.

Malibu Pier

Sunset hours are ideal for fewer visitors and breathtaking views.

Malibu Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Malibu enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it an inviting destination throughout the year. Spring and fall offer ideal temperatures and smaller crowds, while summer is perfect for beach activities, though it can be busier.

Dining Recommendation in Malibu

Head to Nobu Malibu for a dining experience that blends Japanese flavors with breathtaking ocean views, distinctly different from the diverse, urban cuisine of San Francisco. The fresh seafood, combined with locally sourced ingredients, creates a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere that enhances the flavors and overall experience.

San Francisco - Malibu operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Average Duration

7h 15m

Estimated price

$35-107

Bus from San Jose to Westwood UCLA Amtrak Bus Stop

Average Duration

8h 35m

Estimated price

$0-0

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Oakland to Simi Valley Amtrak

Average Duration

10h 53m

Estimated price

$2434-2435

Train from San Francisco Caltrain to San Jose Diridon Caltrain

Average Duration

1h 41m

Estimated price

$585-5822

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Coliseum

Average Duration

25m

Estimated price

$0-0

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$0-0

Plane

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

1h 20m

Estimated price

$2436-2437

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

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$2438-2439

Website

united.com

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

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$355-351

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

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$356-357

Website

alaskaair.com

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

Average Duration

1h 32m

Estimated price

$358-359

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

Average Duration

1h 20m

Estimated price

$1070-6670

Website

delta.com

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

Average Duration

1h 32m

Estimated price

$2438-359

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

Average Duration

1h 27m

Estimated price

$668-1071

Website

aa.com

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

Average Duration

1h 32m

Estimated price

$355-1072

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

Average Duration

1h 20m

Estimated price

$1070-6670

Website

jsx.com

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Burbank (BUR)

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$35-24330

Website

jetblue.com

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

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$358-1073

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Burbank (BUR)

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$35-24330

Website

spirit.com

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

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$358-359

Plane from Oakland (OAK) to Burbank (BUR)

Average Duration

1h 11m

Estimated price

$1074-1075

Website

flyfrontier.com

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

Average Duration

1h 25m

Estimated price

$1076-2435

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Malibu 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.

🚗 With a driving distance of 394 miles, the road trip from San Francisco to Malibu offers a picturesque journey along the California coast. 💸 Depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls, the cost to travel by car from San Francisco to Malibu typically ranges from $70 to $110. 🏖️ As you roll into Malibu after approximately 6 hours and 33 minutes on the road, you'll be greeted by stunning beaches, upscale shopping, and celebrity sightings, making for a memorable California adventure.

Average price

$70 - $110

🚆 Hop aboard a scenic train ride from San Francisco to Malibu, a journey that takes approximately 13 hours and 2 minutes. Enjoy the picturesque views as you traverse through California's diverse landscapes. 🎟️ Ticket prices for trains between San Francisco and Malibu typically range from $141 to $313, providing options for different budgets.

🛫 Experience a swift and convenient journey from San Francisco to Malibu by catching a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport, with a travel time of just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Multiple reputable airlines such as Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines provide flight options for this route.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Los Angeles Airport

🚌 Although there is no direct bus route from San Francisco to Malibu, travelers can embark on a scenic journey with transfers along the way. The trip takes approximately 9 hours and 29 minutes to complete. 🚏 Passengers departing from San Francisco will transition through various stops including Gayley Sb & Strathmore Fs and 5th / Colorado before reaching Civic Center / Stuart Ranch in Malibu. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA, offering a convenient transportation option. 💰 Prices for bus tickets between Malibu and San Francisco range from $35 to $107, providing an affordable and comfortable travel experience for those exploring the stunning coastline of California. Travelers can relax and enjoy the journey while admiring the beautiful landscapes along the route.

Departure Point

San Francisco station

Arrival Point

Los Angeles station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Malibu is 334 miles or 394 miles by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: it takes approximately 13 hours and 2 minutes to reach Malibu from San Francisco by train, about 5 hours and 10 minutes by flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then taking a bus, around 6 hours and 33 minutes by car, and approximately 9 hours and 27 minutes by bus to reach Malibu from San Francisco.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to Malibu is by bus, with tickets priced at $35-$110. However, this option takes the longest, with a travel time of 9h 27m. For a quicker journey, flying to Los Angeles and then taking a line 3 bus is the most time-efficient option, taking 5h 10m. However, the cost for this option is higher, ranging from $65 to $260.

The prices for traveling from San Francisco to Malibu vary depending on the mode of transportation. For a train journey, the prices range from $141 to $313. If you prefer taking a bus, the prices range from $35 to $107. Each transportation option offers different costs, so it's important to consider your budget when planning your trip from San Francisco to Malibu.

To travel from San Francisco to Malibu without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 394 miles, which typically takes around 6 hours and 33 minutes. The prices for renting a car for this journey can range from $70 to $110. This option allows you the flexibility to take breaks, explore scenic routes, and enjoy the convenience of having transportation throughout your stay in Malibu.

To travel from San Francisco to Malibu without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 9 hours and 27 minutes and ticket prices range from $35 to $110. This is a convenient and affordable way to reach Malibu, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views and relax during the journey.

There is no direct link between San Francisco and Malibu by bus. However, you can take a bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then transfer to another bus to reach Malibu. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 9 hours and 27 minutes. The bus services are operated by Flixbus USA.

The flight time between San Francisco and Malibu is typically 1 hour and 15 minutes on a direct flight. However, it is important to note that there are no direct flights from San Francisco to Malibu as Malibu does not have its own airport. The nearest major airport is Los Angeles Airport, and flights from San Francisco to LAX usually take around 1h 15m. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but generally, prices start at around $100 for a one-way ticket.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Malibu. With over 139 hotels available, you'll have a range of choices to fit your budget and preferences. Prices start at $69, so you can find options that suit different price ranges. Whether you prefer beachfront luxury resorts or budget-friendly motels, there are plenty of options for you to stay near Malibu.

San Francisco, CA, USA to Malibu, CA, USA from $35: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From San Francisco to Malibu

Best Neighbourhoods in Malibu

Best Times To Visit Malibu's Attractions

Malibu Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Malibu

San Francisco - Malibu operators

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

Frequently asked questions

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