- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from East Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a flight costs an average of $159.
Distance: 351 miles (566 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$64 Average price Cheapest | $79 Average price | $207 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 23m Average total duration 9h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 8m Average total duration 10h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration Fastest 1h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from East Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $79 (€65).
A bus is $143 (€118) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from East Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $207 (€170).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 53m.
Train takes on average 10h 38m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:13AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 10h32 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:13PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 10h27 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:13PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 10h27 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $57 |
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from East Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 25 times per day, taking around 9h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 351 miles (566 km) distance in 7h 25m.
Distance 351 miles (566 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 25m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotels: USD 2-5 for porters, USD 3-5 daily for housekeeping.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from East Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most East Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 station pair, with some services arriving at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street. Use this guide to compare East Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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