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San Francisco, CA, USA to Pasadena, CA, USA from $29: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

How to Get from San Francisco to Pasadena: 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.

$29 by trainBest price
560 kmDistance
4h 38m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Pasadena 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
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
4h  38m
Estimated price
$65-242
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Train
Average Duration
13h  56m
Estimated price
$29-174
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 560 km
Duration: 4h 38m

See more options

Company
various
BART
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
4h  47m
Estimated price
$57-303
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  20m
Estimated price
$65-2423
Company
various
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
4h  55m
Estimated price
$90-650
Company
various
BART
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
4h  48m
Estimated price
$92-402
Company
various
BART
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
5h  53m
Estimated price
$651-652
Company
various
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
5h  57m
Estimated price
$653-654
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
6h  16m
Estimated price
$655-656
Company
various
BART
Bus
Average Duration
8h  43m
Estimated price
$657-658
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
9h  20m
Estimated price
$659-2420
Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
9h  28m
Estimated price
$2421-2422
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Traveling From San Francisco to Pasadena

The journey from San Francisco to Pasadena offers a striking contrast, with San Francisco's iconic hills and coastal views giving way to Pasadena's charming neighborhoods and vibrant cultural scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Pasadena

Pasadena boasts vibrant neighborhoods, each offering its own distinct charm.

Old Town Pasadena
• Historic architecture and trendy shops abound.
• Lively dining options and nightlife experience.
South Pasadena
• Quaint small-town vibe with beautiful parks.
• Art galleries and indie boutiques line the streets.
Pasadena Playhouse District
• Home to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse theater.
• Diverse restaurants catering to all tastes.

Best Times To Visit Pasadena's Attractions

Making the most of your visit to Pasadena involves timing your outings.

The Getty Center
Weekdays in the morning feature fewer visitors and stunning views.
The Rose Bowl
Arrive early for games to soak in the atmosphere before crowds grow.
Norton Simon Museum
Visit on Thursdays for extended evening hours and a quieter experience.

Pasadena Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Pasadena enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Optimal visiting periods are spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.

Dining Recommendation in Pasadena

For a truly unique culinary experience, try the birria tacos from La Estrella, which beautifully showcase Pasadena's rich Mexican heritage. Unlike San Francisco's focus on seafood and farm-to-table dishes, this vibrant eatery offers bold flavors and a lively atmosphere that reflects the local culture.

San Francisco - Pasadena operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

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

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$2429-24270
Website
united.com

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

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$298-292

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

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$295-299
Website
alaskaair.com

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

Average Duration
1h 32m
Estimated price
$657-1740

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

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$1741-1742
Website
delta.com

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

Average Duration
1h 32m
Estimated price
$290-1740

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

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$2423-1743
Website
aa.com

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

Average Duration
1h 32m
Estimated price
$298-1744

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

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$1741-1742
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Average Duration
7h 40m
Estimated price
$2424-2423
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Los Angeles

Average Duration
8h 25m
Estimated price
$5780-5765
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$576-5712
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration
10h 45m
Estimated price
$5717-1749
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
metro.net

Train from Union Station - Metro A-Line to Memorial Park Station

Average Duration
24m
Estimated price
$570-570
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Coliseum

Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$572-573

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

Traveling between San Francisco and Pasadena 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 picturesque road trip from San Francisco to Pasadena covering 384 miles of diverse California landscapes. Enjoy the journey through coastal highways and rolling hills. 💰 The cost to travel from San Francisco to Pasadena by car ranges from $65 to $110, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Plan your trip wisely to accommodate for gas, food, and possible pit stops along the way. 🌴 Arrive in Pasadena after approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes of driving, ready to explore the city's sunny climate and cultural attractions. Unwind and soak in the laid-back California vibes after a scenic drive down the coast.
Average price
$65 - $110
🚅 While there is no direct train from San Francisco to Pasadena, you can embark on a scenic journey by taking services that depart from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station and make transfers in San Jose and Union Station - Metro A-Line. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 13 hours and 56 minutes. 💵 The prices for a train ticket from San Francisco to Pasadena typically range from $29 to $174, allowing you to choose a fare that suits your budget and travel preferences. Whether you're a seasoned train traveler or looking to experience a new mode of transportation, this journey offers a unique way to explore the Golden State's diverse landscapes.
Departure Point
San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to Pasadena is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights taking around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Several airlines, including Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines, offer flights from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport, which is the closest airport to Pasadena. 🧳 Once you land at Los Angeles Airport, you can easily reach Pasadena by car, shuttle, or public transportation. The drive from the airport to Pasadena typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle or use the metro system to reach your final destination.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 While there is no direct bus from San Francisco to Pasadena, travelers can still make the journey with a trip duration of approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for the bus route between Pasadena and San Francisco range from $34 to $107, offering an affordable and convenient travel option for those looking to explore both cities.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and Pasadena is approximately 348 miles by air, but the road distance is slightly longer at 384.3 miles. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation vary. It takes 13 hours and 56 minutes to reach Pasadena from San Francisco by train, 4 hours and 30 minutes by flying to Los Angeles and then taking a tram, 6 hours and 20 minutes by car, and 8 hours and 31 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Pasadena is by bus, which typically costs $35-$110 and takes approximately 8 hours and 31 minutes. However, if time-efficiency is a priority, the quickest option is to fly from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then take a tram to Pasadena. This option generally costs $65-$260 and takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes. Both options offer different trade-offs between cost and travel time depending on personal preferences.
The prices for traveling from San Francisco to Pasadena by train range from $29 to $174. Alternatively, traveling by bus from Pasadena to San Francisco can cost anywhere from $35 to $108. It is advisable to check with the respective transportation providers for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
To travel from San Francisco to Pasadena without public transportation, you can drive the distance of 384 miles which takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes. The cost of driving varies between $65 to $110 depending on factors like gas prices and vehicle efficiency. Driving provides flexibility and allows you to explore the scenic route and make stops along the way if desired.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to Pasadena without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 8 hours and 31 minutes and costs between $35 to $110. This mode of transportation allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views along the way without the worry of driving or parking.
No, there is no direct train link between San Francisco and Pasadena. However, there are options available that involve transfers. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and 56 minutes with transfers at San Jose and Union Station - Metro A-Line. The train services are operated by Caltrain and Amtrak.
The flight duration from San Francisco to Pasadena is typically around 1 hour and 15 minutes for a direct flight. However, it is important to note that there are no direct flights between these two cities as they are only about 348 miles apart. Travelers usually opt for other modes of transportation such as driving or taking a bus, which would take approximately 6 to 8 hours. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but on average, it is around $150 to $250 for a one-way ticket.
There are numerous accommodation options near Pasadena. With over 983 hotels available, travelers can choose from a variety of budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at $89 per night. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities and locations to suit their needs while exploring Pasadena and its surrounding attractions.

Trips from San Francisco