- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major contemporary art museum with an outstanding modern and contemporary collection, large-scale installations, and strong photography holdings.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 18
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
7 h 25 m
Average duration
7 h 48 m
Buses per day
2
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 $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for San Francisco, CA on Thu, Jun 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct buses cover the 547 km distance in an average of 7 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 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.
6:05 AM8h10Santa Monica, CA2:15 PMSan Francisco, CA$501One-way0 transfers
6:15 AM7h25Santa Monica, CA1:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$761One-way0 transfers
- 6:15 AM7h25Santa Monica, CA1:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$761One-way0 transfers
- 6:05 AM8h10Santa Monica, CA2:15 PMSan Francisco, CA$501One-way0 transfers
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 train with prices starting from $94. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $94, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 339 miles (547 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$103 Average price | $166 Average price | $96 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 33m Average total duration 9h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 5m Average total duration 10h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is a train with an average price of $96 (€77).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $7 (€6) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $103 (€83).
A train is $71 (€57) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $166 (€135).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 35m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 3m.
Train takes on average 10h 35m.
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.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $76 |
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 $186 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
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, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:15 AM Santa Monica, CA | 7h25 | 1:40 PM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:30 PM Santa Monica, CA | 8h35 | 1:05 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.
Wed
Jun 17
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
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 $50 (€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 $50 (€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
Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Interactive science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for hands-on exhibits and bayfront setting.
- Recommended
de Young Museum
Fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park known for American art, textiles, rotating exhibitions, and its panoramic observation tower.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
The famously crooked block lined with flowers and city views, one of San Francisco's most photographed streets.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Massive urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking space that rewards both short visits and full-day exploration.
- Must visit
Twin Peaks
High viewpoint with sweeping panoramic views over the city and bay, especially popular at sunset and on clear mornings.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian fishermen in San Francisco, usually filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish. It is one of the city’s signature dishes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco sourdough is famous for its tangy flavor and chewy crust, shaped by the city’s historic baking culture and local wild yeast tradition.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large burrito associated with the Mission District, typically packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras. It is a defining San Francisco street food.
Sotto Mare
North Beach favorite specializing in cioppino and classic seafood in a lively, casual setting.
La Taqueria
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a no-frills local vibe.
The Buena Vista
Classic waterfront cafe famous for Irish Coffee, hearty breakfasts, and historic cable-car-adjacent charm.
United States Dollar
One of the priciest U.S. cities. Hotels, dining, parking, and taxes add up quickly, though transit and casual food can help control costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or food trucks.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 18-22% is standard before or after tax depending on the screen shown. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshare: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5 for porters, a few USD nightly for housekeeping.
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 $50 (€40) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is $103 (€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.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Santa Monica, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is January.
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, the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
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.
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.
Since neither Santa Monica, CA nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
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
Santa Monica
San Francisco
San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street
information
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29
information
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
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
