- Must visit
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Marine life aquarium on Cannery Row with kelp forest displays, sea otters, and strong conservation interpretation for all ages.
Buses from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €23 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:00, the last at 18:20. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 7:00 AM |
Last bus 6:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €25 |
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Monterey, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Monterey, CA trip today.
Marine life aquarium on Cannery Row with kelp forest displays, sea otters, and strong conservation interpretation for all ages.
History museum inside Colton Hall with exhibitions on Monterey’s civic past, statehood era, and local cultural development.
Downtown art museum presenting California art, changing exhibitions, and an accessible stop near Monterey’s historic center.
Scenic coastal recreation trail linking beaches, the harbor, and Cannery Row, popular for walking, cycling, and bay views.
Historic waterfront area around the wharf with harbor activity, sea views, and easy access to walking routes and boat tours.
Rocky peninsula park with cypress trees, tide pools, and dramatic ocean scenery, excellent for short walks and sunset views.
Creamy clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, a long-standing Cannery Row and wharf favorite tied to Monterey Bay seafood culture.
Fresh local sand dabs, usually lightly floured and pan-fried with lemon and butter. A classic Monterey Bay catch found on many old-school menus.
Sweet Dungeness crab from California waters, commonly served cracked with butter or in seafood platters. It is a prized seasonal coastal specialty.
Polished waterfront dining room focused on seafood and steaks, with broad bay views and a more upscale atmosphere.
Casual Old Fisherman’s Wharf seafood spot known for chowder, cioppino, and harbor views in a lively classic Monterey setting.
Historic Cannery Row restaurant serving steaks, sand dabs, calamari, and local seafood in a warm, traditional dining room.
Monterey is pricier than many U.S. cities, with higher hotel rates, seafood dining, and parking costs. Transit is limited, so visitors often budget more for car use or rides.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Round up or tip 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts, usually $1-2 or 10%.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Monterey, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Monterey, 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 Monterey, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Francisco, CA to Monterey, CA buses use the San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street to station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Monterey, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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