- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Aug 02
Cheapest price
$184
Average price
$184
Fastest journey
8 h 10 m
Average duration
8 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
547 km
Cheap tickets
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 $184 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $184.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Francisco, CA on Sun, Aug 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 the direct buses cover the 547 km distance in an average of 8 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 10 m .
On Sun, Aug 02 the slowest buses will take 8 h 10 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.
7:05 AM8h10Santa Monica, CA3:15 PMSan Francisco, CA$1841One-way0 transfers
- 7:05 AM8h10Santa Monica, CA3:15 PMSan Francisco, CA$1841One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 9h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 339 miles (547 km) distance in 7h 25m.
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 9h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 25m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $60 |
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, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:40 PM Santa Monica, CA | 9h25 | 5:05 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
| 7:05 AM Santa Monica, CA | 8h10 | 3:15 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to San Francisco, CA
Things to do in San Francisco, CA
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
- Must visit
de Young Museum
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
- Must visit
The Embarcadero
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
San Francisco Sourdough
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Benu
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Sotto Mare
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
La Taqueria
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
US Dollar ($)
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $90+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $49 (€40) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is $102 (€83) ; 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is 7h 25m to travel the 339 miles (547 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 11:55 PM.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Monica, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, 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 Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Most Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 station pair, with some services arriving at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street. Use this guide to compare Santa Monica, CA and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Santa Monica
Arrival bus stations in San Francisco
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th StreetSan Francisco Bus Station,401 Townsend St,94107
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street from San Francisco city centre
BusEast, West · 20m · every ~4 min
Nbus, Nowl · 24m · $2 · every ~2 min
TramN · 23m · $2 · every ~11 min
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 from San Francisco city centre
Bus397 · 8m · $2
14, 14R · 13m · $2 · every ~30 min
101, 120 · 14m · $6 · every ~9 min
7 · 21m · $2 · every ~10 min
SubwayYellow-N, Green-N, Red-N, Blue-N · 10m · $2 · every ~27 min
Most popular bus connections from Santa Monica, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Santa Monica, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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