San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA bus

Thu, Feb 26
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1,000+ travel companies
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Costa Verde
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

Showing times and prices for Feb 26

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.

Amtrak524 Capitol Corridor · 3624 AMTRAK
07:45AM5h30
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
01:15PMSouth Lake Tahoe, CA
$751One-way
1 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 $73. 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 $73, and a flight costs an average of $164.

Distance: 154 miles (248 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight

$75

Average price

Cheapest

$341

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

San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$75
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
07:58AM
Arrival Time
01:15PM
Duration
5h17
Departure days
Sat, Sun
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, February 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 1:49 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak524 Capitol Corridor · 3624 AMTRAK3:45 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
5h30
9:15 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA1 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.

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA

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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 (€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 4h 32m.

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
$73 (€58)
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
4h 32m
First bus
07:21
Last bus
14:55
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

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA can start from as little as $73 (€58) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA is $75 (€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 4h 32m 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 4h 32m 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 December.
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.
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