- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 15
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$89
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$90
Fastest journey on Sep 15
7 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
8 h
Buses on Sep 15
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 $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
Fast buses
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 2 buses from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 547 km distance in an average of 8 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 25 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 8 h 35 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.
4:30 PM8h35Santa Monica, CA1:05 AMSan Francisco, CA$891One-way0 transfers- 6:15 AM7h25Santa Monica, CA1:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$911One-way0 transfers
- 6:15 AM7h25Santa Monica, CA1:40 PMSan Francisco, CA$911One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 PM8h35Santa Monica, CA1:05 AMSan Francisco, CA$891One-way0 transfers
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 an average ticket price of $98 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $98, while a flight costs an average of $718.
Distance: 339 miles (547 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$98 Average price Cheapest | $718 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
9h 39m Average total duration 9h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 19m Average total duration Fastest 4h 19m Onboard + 2h 0m 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 bus with an average price of $98 (€80).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $620 (€504) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $718 (€584).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 19m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 9m.
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.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $98 (€80) compared to roughly $79 (€64) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.23 (€-15.63). The journey takes 9h 9m versus 5h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
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 07:45AM | 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 tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15. 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.
Tue
Sep 15
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Why should you book Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA.
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 5 times per day, taking around 9h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $44 (€35) if you book in advance.
There are 4 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 0m.
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 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€35) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
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
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $44 (€35). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
7h 0m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$53 (€43)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Duration
7h 55m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
$44 (€35)
Greyhound frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
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 $44 (€35) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA is $98 (€80) ; 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 0m 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.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct 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.
When departing from Santa Monica, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA, Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA, Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore, CA, Los Angeles, Exposition Blvd / South Sepulveda Blvd, CA . When arriving in San Francisco, CA , you can end your journey in bus stations like San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA, San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA, located 0 away from the city centre.
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 0m 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.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
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.
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.
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.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Monica, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
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 29Transit Center Bay 29, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 from San Francisco city centre
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
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
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 bus station facilities and services
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
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.
