Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA bus

Tue, Dec 16
+ Add return
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Itabus
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Itabus
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the flight 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

Bus
Most popular
Flight
Train

€51

Average price

Cheapest

€155

Average price

€67

Average price

9h 18m

Average total duration

8h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 30m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

11h 24m

Average total duration

10h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Monday, December 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 6:47 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greyhound3:05 PM Santa Monica, CA
9h55
1:00 AM San Francisco, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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.

Tue
Dec 16
Wed
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Thu
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Fri
Dec 19
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Dec 22

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA

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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 $60 (€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.

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
339 miles (547 km)
Average bus duration
8h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
$60 (€48)
Buses per day
16
Direct buses
9
Fastest bus
7h 40m
First bus
00:15
Last bus
23:55
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 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $49 (€39) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is $59 (€47); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA bus travel time is 7 h 25 min   for the 339 mile (547 km) long trip, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 5: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11: 55PM.
There are 13 buses a day from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Monica, CA and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is September.
You have options as you can travel between Santa Monica, CA and San Francisco, CA 3 different ways: bus, train or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus company:
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA:
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA

    Santa Monica
    San Francisco
    San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
    San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
    information
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