- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$7
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
68 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Of the 2 buses that leave Lake Forest, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Jul 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct buses cover the 68 km distance in an average of 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest buses will take 1 h 5 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $21.
Distance: 42 miles (68 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$8 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 23m Average total duration Fastest 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration 1h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 6m.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (53m by bus vs 59m by car) and save roughly $2 (€1) compared to fuel and tolls ($8 (€7) vs $10 (€8)). 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.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 05:20AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 0h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $21 |
Compare train and bus 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 Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 42 miles (68 km) distance in 40m.
Distance 42 miles (68 km) |
Average bus duration 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€5) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 40m |
First bus 5:10 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Los Angeles — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.
The largest art museum in the western United States, known for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum with a high-profile collection featuring works by Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Vast urban park with trails, scenic overlooks, and access to some of the city’s best outdoor viewpoints.
Classic Southern California waterfront area popular for ocean views, walks, and iconic beach atmosphere.
Famous beachfront promenade known for street culture, murals, skate energy, and people-watching.
A Los Angeles classic of thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, usually served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s most iconic old-school sandwiches.
Small corn-tortilla tacos filled with meats such as carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas, topped simply with onion, cilantro, and salsa. They reflect the city’s deep Mexican culinary influence.
Grilled marinated meats cooked at the table, commonly enjoyed with banchan in Koreatown. Los Angeles is especially famous for its vibrant Korean barbecue culture.
Popular upscale restaurant in the Arts District known for house-made charcuterie, pasta, and a stylish industrial setting.
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich, old-school counter service, and classic Los Angeles atmosphere.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and lively traditional flavors in a vibrant setting.
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially lodging, parking, and dining. Casual food is manageable, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20% is common for good service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Lake Forest, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare Lake Forest, CA and Los Angeles, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need