The cheapest and fastest buses from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
7 h 49 m
Average duration
7 h 49 m
Buses per day
1
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 $61.
Of the 1 buses that leave Goleta, CA for San Francisco, CA on Fri, May 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct buses cover the 438 km distance in an average of 7 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 49 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest buses will take 7 h 49 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.
6:11 PM7h49Goleta, CA2:00 AMSan Francisco, CA$611One-way0 transfers
6:11 PM7h49Goleta, CA2:00 AMSan Francisco, CA$611One-way0 transfers
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 $61. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $61, and a flight costs an average of $199.
Distance: 272 miles (438 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $114 Average price | $297 Average price |
8h 33m Average total duration 8h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 40m Average total duration 9h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $36 (€29) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $114 (€91).
A bus is $220 (€175) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $297 (€237).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 3m.
Train takes on average 9h 10m.
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, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:58 PM Goleta, CA | 8h27 | 2:25 AM San Francisco, 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
Buses from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:30, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 272 miles (438 km) distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 272 miles (438 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€49) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 25m |
First bus 6:30 AM |
Last bus 11:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 $61 (€49). 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections from Goleta, CA
More options for your journey from Goleta, CA to San Francisco, CA
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