- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Aug 23
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
6 h 20 m
Average duration
6 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
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 $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
3647 AMTRAK · 749 Capitol Corridor · 6699 AMTRAK2:50 PM6h20South Lake Tahoe, CA9:10 PMSan Francisco, CA$831One-way2 transfers
- 3647 AMTRAK · 749 Capitol Corridor · 6699 AMTRAK2:50 PM6h20South Lake Tahoe, CA9:10 PMSan Francisco, CA$831One-way2 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 $73. 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 $73, and a flight costs an average of $141.
Distance: 154 miles (248 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $384 Average price | $47 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 $77 (€62).
This is compared to other travel options from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $307 (€247) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $384 (€309).
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 09:20PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 03:44AM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 04:44AM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $72 |
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, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3647 AMTRAK · 749 Capitol Corridor · 6699 AMTRAK | 2:50 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA | 6h20 | 9:10 PM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
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
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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 $73 (€59) 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.
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 $73 (€59) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 56m |
First bus 7:21 AM |
Last bus 2:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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, 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 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 $73 (€59) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Francisco, CA is $77 (€62) ; 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 4h 56m 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 4h 56m 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 May.
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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