Fastest way from Los Angeles to San Francisco: Flight, about 1h 17min (from €75). Cheapest: Bus, from €62 (about 6h 55min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Greyhound; main departure point: Los Angeles Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Los Angeles Union Station | €62 | 3 |
| Greyhound | Bus | Los Angeles Union Station | €78 | 4 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | Ontario Airport | €75 | 20 |
| Alaska Airlines | Flight | Los Angeles Airport | €125 | 22 |
| GS Transportation | Van / transfer | €1006 | 1 |
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Practical tips
A bus ride here takes most of a day. If you have a tight schedule, the plane may be the better choice. If you can travel overnight, the bus can save you a hotel night.
Los Angeles has several bus stops, and some are street corners, not stations. Read the pickup address on your e-ticket and look it up on a map the day before you travel.
Both regions have more than one airport. Confirm the airport code on your booking, and compare the ground transport to your hotel, not just the flight fare, before you buy.
Traffic leaving Los Angeles can be heavy, especially on Friday afternoons and holidays. Arrive at the stop early and avoid tight onward plans on the same day.
Fares tend to rise close to departure, particularly on weekends and in summer. Book online ahead of time and keep your e-ticket on your phone, with a screenshot as backup.
The journey experience
Los Angeles to San Francisco is one of the most popular routes in California, and the big question is simple: do you take the bus or fly? The two options are very different, and the comparison table on this page shows duration and price range side by side so you can decide in seconds.
By bus, you travel city centre to city centre on a long-distance coach, usually with reclining seats, air conditioning, power outlets and onboard Wi-Fi on many services. It is the budget-friendly choice, and it lets you watch California roll by along the way. Flying is far faster and is the sensible option if your time is limited, with frequent flights between the Los Angeles area airports and the Bay Area airports. Keep in mind that airports sit outside the city centres, so you must factor in the trip to and from the airport, plus check-in and security.
Our advice: choose the bus if you want to save money or travel overnight and skip a hotel night, and choose the plane if you want to keep your days free for sightseeing. Whichever you pick, always check the exact departure stop on your e-ticket, since some bus stops are on a street corner rather than inside a station. Book online for instant e-ticket confirmation and you can travel with peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions — Los Angeles → San Francisco
It depends on your priorities. The bus is the cheaper option, from €62, and works well if you travel overnight or want to save money. The plane takes about 1 h 15 to 1 h 35 in the air and is better if your time is limited. Remember to add airport transfers and check-in.
By bus, the journey takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and stops. By plane, the flight itself lasts about 1 h 15 to 1 h 35. For a fair comparison, add the time to reach the airport, check in and clear security, as well as the transfer into the city on arrival.
Bus tickets start from €62, and typically go up to €79. Flights start from €75, with typical fares up to €132. Prices vary with the date, the day of the week and how early you book, so booking ahead usually gives you the best fare on either option.
Departure and arrival points depend on the operator and the departure you choose, and some stops are on a street rather than in a station. Your e-ticket shows the exact pickup and drop-off address, so check it carefully and locate it on a map before you travel.
Both the bus and the plane are available on this route, and the booking page shows whether a given departure is direct or includes a change. Check this before you pay, especially for the bus, so you can avoid a tight connection and plan your arrival comfortably.
Why visit San Francisco?
- ✓ Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and return by ferry with views of the skyline
- ✓ Tour Alcatraz Island and its former federal prison on the evocative audio-guided night or day visit
- ✓ Ride the historic Powell-Hyde cable car and wind down Lombard Street's eight hairpin turns
- ✓ Sample Mission-style burritos and Dolores Park views in the colorful Mission District, then admire its murals on Clarion Alley
- ✓ Feast on clam chowder in a sourdough bowl at Fisherman's Wharf and watch the sea lions at Pier 39
When to visit San Francisco?
MEDITERRANEAN OCEANIC CLIMATE
September to October — warmest, sunniest weather of the year, with far less of the summer fog
What to do in San Francisco?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit San Francisco?
Plan 3 to 4 days to cover the essentials without rushing. In 3 days you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz (book weeks ahead), Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Mission and a cable car ride; a 4th or 5th day allows Muir Woods, Sausalito or a Napa/Sonoma day trip. Always pack layers, as fog and wind can make summer afternoons cold, and use Muni plus walking rather than renting a car in the city.
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