4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $49.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $88 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $57 (€46) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $88 (€71).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 30m.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (2h 0m by bus vs 2h 3m by car). Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $24 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Live departures
Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 6:15 PM Salinas, Greyhound | 2h05 | 8:20 PM 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 Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA by train or bus
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.
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
Why should you book Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€21) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:00, the last at 18:15. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 5m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€21) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 2h 5m |
First bus 7:00 AM |
Last bus 6:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus for as low as $25 (€21). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Monterey, 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections from Monterey, CA
More options for your journey from Monterey, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Monterey, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
