The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
11 h
Average duration
11 h
Buses per day
1
Distance
547 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Francisco, CA on Sun, Feb 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Feb 01 the direct buses cover the 547 km distance in an average of 11 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h .
On Sun, Feb 01 the slowest buses will take 11 h 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, train, and flight for Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €48, and a flight costs an average of €122.
Distance: 339 miles (547 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€51 Average price Cheapest | €67 Average price | €155 Average price |
9h 18m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 24m Average total duration 10h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Feb 01
Feb 02
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Feb 07
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 8h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $61 (€48) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 339 miles (547 km) distance in 7h 40m.
Distance 339 miles (547 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€48) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 7h 40m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:55 |
FAQs: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Monica, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
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