4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
7 h 25 m
Average duration
8 h 18 m
Buses per day
6
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 $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 6 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Francisco, CA on Wed, Mar 18, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Mar 18 the direct buses cover the 547 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
On Wed, Mar 18 the slowest buses will take 9 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.
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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 $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $62.
Distance: 339 miles (547 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $145 Average price | $89 Average price |
12h 23m Average total duration 11h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 47m Average total duration 10h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $220 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $148 |
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, Tuesday, March 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:10 PM Santa Monica, CA | 7h55 | 3:05 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 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.
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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 13 times per day, taking around 11h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 7 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 8h 35m.
Distance 339 miles (547 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 8h 35m |
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
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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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