- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 09
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
5 h 54 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
248 km
Cheap tickets
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 $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave South Lake Tahoe, CA for San Francisco, CA on Thu, Jul 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 248 km distance in an average of 5 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 54 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 5 h 54 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.
10:50 PM5h54South Lake Tahoe, CA4:44 AMSan Francisco, CA$711One-way0 transfers- 9:50 PM5h54South Lake Tahoe, CA3:44 AMSan Francisco, CA$731One-way0 transfers
- 10:50 PM5h54South Lake Tahoe, CA4:44 AMSan Francisco, CA$711One-way0 transfers
- 9:50 PM5h54South Lake Tahoe, CA3:44 AMSan Francisco, CA$731One-way0 transfers
Travel 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 $71. 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 $71, and a flight costs an average of $152.
Distance: 154 miles (248 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $448 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 15m Average total duration 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $73 (€60).
This is compared to other travel options from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $375 (€309) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $448 (€369).
The fastest way to travel from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 23m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between South Lake Tahoe, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
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.
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, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 03:44AM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 04:44AM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
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, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3647 AMTRAK · 549 Capitol Corridor | 2:50 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA | 5h54 | 8:44 PM 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.
Thu
Jul 09
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $71 (€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 5h 44m.
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 154 miles (248 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€58) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 44m |
First bus 7:21 AM |
Last bus 2:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 6 days |
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
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
- Recommended
de Young Museum
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
- Must visit
Fisherman's Wharf
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
House of Prime Rib
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
La Taqueria
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Swan Oyster Depot
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotels: USD 2-5 for porters, USD 3-5 daily for housekeeping.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $71 (€58) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA is $73 (€60) ; 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA is 5h 44m to travel the 154 miles (248 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 7:21 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 2:55 PM.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from South Lake Tahoe, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 44m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between South Lake Tahoe, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Since neither South Lake Tahoe, 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 flight as it is the most popular way to get from South Lake Tahoe, 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.
Most popular bus connections from South Lake Tahoe, CA
More options for your journey from South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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