The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
248 km
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 $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Francisco, CA for South Lake Tahoe, CA on Thu, Nov 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 27 the direct buses cover the 248 km distance in an average of 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
On Thu, Nov 27 the slowest buses will take 4 h 55 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.


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 €59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €59, and a flight costs an average of €86.
Distance: 154 miles (248 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
€60 Average price Cheapest | €199 Average price |
4h 49m Average total duration 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:21AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 5h09 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $75 |
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, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
524 Capitol Corridor · 3624 AMTRAK | 3:35 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 4h55 | 8:30 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA by bus or flight
Compare bus 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.
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA
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 $73 (€59) 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 4h 55m.
Distance 154 miles (248 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€59) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 07:21 |
Last bus 14:55 |
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.

- 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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA, follow these tips:
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Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
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