The cheapest and fastest buses from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
5 h 54 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
248 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
It's difficult to get from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
3647 AMTRAK · 549 Capitol Corridor
3647 AMTRAK · 549 Capitol CorridorTravel Information
Compare bus and flight for South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €58, and a flight costs an average of €135.
Distance: 154 miles (248 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
€60 Average price Cheapest | €272 Average price |
5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 08:34PM | Duration 5h44 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Live departures
South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Sunday, February 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3647 AMTRAK · 749 Capitol Corridor | 10:50 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA | 5h44 | 4:34 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA by bus or flight
Compare bus 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA
Buses from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 (€58) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:21, the last at 14:55. The fastest bus covers the 154 miles (248 km) distance in 4h 56m.
Distance 154 miles (248 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€58) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 56m |
First bus 07:21 |
Last bus 14:55 |
FAQs: Bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South Lake Tahoe, 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.
Most popular bus connections from South Lake Tahoe, CA
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