- Recommended
Tallac Historic Site
Historic estate complex with restored summer homes, small exhibits, and cultural programs that interpret Lake Tahoe’s early resort era.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
Showing times and prices for May 28
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
5 h 30 m
Average duration
5 h 30 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
248 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA without transferring at least once.
524 Capitol Corridor · 3624 AMTRAK7:45 AM5h30Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA1:15 PMSouth Lake Tahoe, CA$751One-way1 transfer
- 524 Capitol Corridor · 3624 AMTRAK7:45 AM5h30Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA1:15 PMSouth Lake Tahoe, CA$751One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $166.
Distance: 154 miles (248 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $446 Average price |
4h 49m Average total duration 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is a bus with an average price of $74 (€60).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA:
A bus is $372 (€300) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA costing on average $446 (€360).
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 10m.
Other travel options to South Lake Tahoe, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and South Lake Tahoe, CA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA among Omio's users.
San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:21PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h09 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:58PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 5h17 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:58PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 5h17 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA buses for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 524 Capitol Corridor · 3624 AMTRAK | 7:45 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 5h30 | 1:15 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA by bus or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 (€58) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:21, the last at 14:55. The fastest bus covers the 154 miles (248 km) distance in 5h 9m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 154 miles (248 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€58) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 9m |
First bus 7:21 AM |
Last bus 2:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 5 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to South Lake Tahoe
Things to do in South Lake Tahoe
Discover the best of South Lake Tahoe — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect South Lake Tahoe trip today.
- Recommended
Marcus Ashley Gallery
Well-known fine art gallery featuring paintings, sculpture, and glass art, popular with visitors looking for a polished contemporary gallery experience.
- Recommended
Thunderbird Lodge
Historic lakeside estate with preserved interiors, art, and guided heritage interpretation; located outside the city but a notable Tahoe cultural attraction.
- Must visit
Emerald Bay State Park
The South Shore’s signature scenic area with dramatic lake views, popular viewpoints, hiking, and some of Tahoe’s most photographed scenery.
- Must visit
Rubicon Trail at Emerald Bay
Highly regarded hiking and walking route with lake panoramas, cliffside sections, and constant photo opportunities.
- Recommended
Heavenly Village
Pedestrian-friendly resort area with shops, gondola access, and year-round activity; one of the busiest visitor hubs in South Lake Tahoe.
- Gluten-free
Basque Lamb Stew
A hearty High Sierra favorite linked to the Basque ranching heritage around the Tahoe region, usually made with lamb, vegetables, and broth.
- Gluten-free
Grilled Lake Trout
A classic Sierra Nevada fish preparation featuring fresh trout, often simply grilled to highlight the mountain-lake flavor associated with Tahoe.
- Gluten-free
Prime Rib
A well-known casino-dining staple on the South Shore, traditionally served in old-school steakhouse settings popular with locals and visitors.
The Red Hut Cafe
A long-running local breakfast favorite with a classic diner atmosphere, known for hearty morning plates and comfort food.
Edgewood Restaurant
Upscale lakeside dining at Edgewood Tahoe, known for refined American cuisine, scenic views, and a polished special-occasion atmosphere.
Base Camp Pizza Co.
A popular casual spot in Heavenly Village serving pizzas, beer, and lively apres-ski energy with regular live music.
United States Dollar
Tourist-area prices are high, especially for lodging and dining. Groceries and casual eats are easier on the budget.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60-120+ per person at upscale spots.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Not expected at fast-food counters.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA can start from as little as $72 (€58) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is $74 (€60) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is 5h 9m to travel the 154 miles (248 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA leaves at 7:21 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA leaves at 2:55 PM.
A trip to South Lake Tahoe, CA from San Francisco, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 9m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and South Lake Tahoe, CA including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in South Lake Tahoe, CA are:
- Emerald Bay State Park, a scenic park known for its stunning views of Emerald Bay and the historic Vikingsholm mansion
- Heavenly Mountain Resort, a popular ski resort offering winter sports and panoramic gondola rides
- Tallac Historic Site, a collection of preserved estates showcasing early 20th-century architecture and history
- Taylor Creek Visitor Center, an educational center with nature trails and a stream profile chamber
- Van Sickle Bi-State Park, a park straddling California and Nevada with hiking trails and views of Lake Tahoe.
The best things to do in South Lake Tahoe, CA include:
- Lake Tahoe Boat Cruises, offering picturesque tours of the lake's crystal-clear waters
- South Lake Tahoe Beaches, providing sandy shores and opportunities for swimming and picnicking
- Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, a family-friendly ski resort with diverse terrain and snow activities
- Lake Tahoe Golf Course, offering a scenic golfing experience amidst the mountains
- Explore the local dining scene, featuring a variety of restaurants with lakeside views and diverse cuisines.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Since neither San Francisco, CA nor South Lake Tahoe, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In South Lake Tahoe, CA, travelers should be cautious of vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded parking areas near popular ski resorts and beaches. It's important to avoid leaving valuables visible in cars. Additionally, be wary of unofficial rental offers or overly discounted transportation tickets sold by unverified sources, as these can be scams. Always use licensed transportation providers and book tickets through reputable platforms to ensure safety and avoid fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
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Most popular bus connections to South Lake Tahoe, CA
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