- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
12 h 17 m
Average duration
12 h 51 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
582 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Rafael, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Rafael, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 2 buses that leave San Rafael, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct buses cover the 582 km distance in an average of 12 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 17 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest buses will take 13 h 25 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.




Buses from San Rafael, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 28 times per day, taking around 10h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 if you book in advance.
There are 10 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 361 miles (582 km) distance in 7h 35m.
Distance 361 miles (582 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 |
Buses per day 28 |
Direct buses 10 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $211 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:31AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 9h24 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:39AM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 9h16 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:21AM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 12h34 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:29AM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 12h26 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:55AM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $182 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 04:27AM | Duration 12h17 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:21PM | Arrival Time 09:28AM | Duration 13h07 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:29PM | Arrival Time 09:46AM | Duration 13h17 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $175 |
The table below shows live departures for San Rafael, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 PM San Rafael, CA | 13h25 | 3:55 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 PM San Rafael, CA | 12h17 | 4:27 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Rafael, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Rafael, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the Oakland, West Oakland BART Station to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare San Rafael, CA and Los Angeles, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore is 19 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore.
Available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore: Basic accessibility features available for buses.
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