The cheapest and fastest buses from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
6 h 25 m
Average duration
7 h 26 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
438 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
Of the 2 buses that leave Goleta, CA for San Francisco, CA on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 438 km distance in an average of 7 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 25 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 8 h 27 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €182.
Distance: 272 miles (438 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€50 Average price Cheapest | €63 Average price | €238 Average price |
8h 14m Average total duration 7h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 40m Average total duration 9h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:58AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 8h27 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:11AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 8h14 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Live departures
Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor | 3:35 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 8h35 | 12:10 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor | 3:50 PM Goleta, CA | 8h20 | 12:10 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 546 Capitol Corridor | 5:58 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 9h22 | 3:20 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK | 5:58 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 8h27 | 2:25 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK | 6:11 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 8h14 | 2:25 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 546 Capitol Corridor | 6:11 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 9h09 | 3:20 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 9:40 PM Isla Vista, UC Santa Barbara (Bus Loop), CA | 6h25 | 4:05 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
Distance 272 miles (438 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 6h 20m |
First bus 06:30 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA start from as low as $39 (€32) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $62 (€50) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: Santa Barbara MTD from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA with Santa Barbara MTD for as low as $39 (€32). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Santa Barbara MTD
FAQs: Bus from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Goleta, 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.

- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA, follow these tips:
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Popular bus stations from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
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