Best option from San Francisco to Los Angeles: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 21min, from €26. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Greyhound; main departure point: San Jose Airport USA.
There are 2 ways to get from San Francisco to Los Angeles
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 | San Francisco 5th St Bus Stop | €64 | 5 |
| Greyhound | Bus | San Francisco Bus Station | €72 | 10 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | San Jose Airport USA | €26 | 23 |
| Alaska Airlines | Flight | San Francisco Airport | €130 | 22 |
| GS Transportation | Van / transfer | €1006 | 1 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Check the comparison table before booking. If saving money matters most, the bus is the natural choice. If you cannot afford to lose a day of your trip, the plane is usually the smarter option.
In San Francisco, some buses leave from a street-side stop rather than a station. Read the pick-up address on your e-ticket and look it up on a map the day before you travel.
The Bay Area and Los Angeles both have several airports. Confirm the airport code on your booking for both ends, and check how you will reach your accommodation once you land.
Bus fares tend to rise as departure approaches, and popular times fill up on weekends and holidays. Booking ahead gives you the best price and the seat time you want.
Arrive at the stop with a comfortable margin and keep your e-ticket on your phone. Missing the last departure of the day can force you to rebook at a higher fare or pay for an extra night.
The journey experience
San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of the busiest corridors in California, and the choice between bus and plane is the whole question. The table on this page puts both side by side on time, price and frequency, so you can see at a glance which one fits your budget and your schedule.
The bus is the budget-friendly, door-to-city option. It runs down the coast and through the Central Valley, lets you carry a normal suitcase without extra baggage fees, and drops you in central Los Angeles rather than at an airport on the edge of town. You can sleep, charge your phone and watch the landscape, and an overnight departure can save you a hotel night. The plane is the fast option: frequent flights link the Bay Area airports with Los Angeles, and it is the sensible pick when your time matters more than your budget.
Our advice: decide first what you value most. If you want the lowest fare and don't mind a long day, book the bus early. If you have a tight schedule, fly. Whichever you choose, check the exact departure stop or airport on your e-ticket before leaving, because San Francisco has several pick-up points and Los Angeles has more than one airport. Your booking confirms everything instantly, so you can travel without stress.
Frequently asked questions — San Francisco → Los Angeles
It depends on your priority. The bus is the budget option, with fares from about €64, and it takes you into central Los Angeles. The plane is much faster, with fares from about €26, and suits tight schedules. Compare both in the table and choose what fits your trip.
By bus, the journey takes between 7 and 11 hours depending on the service and traffic. By plane, the flight takes roughly 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 35. Remember to add time for airport transfers, check-in and security if you fly.
Bus tickets start from €64 and are typically up to €74. Flights start from €26 and are typically up to €131. Prices change with the date and how early you book, so reserving ahead usually gets you the lower end of the range.
The departure point depends on the service you book, and it can be a station or a street-side stop in San Francisco. The arrival is in the Los Angeles area. Always check the exact pick-up and drop-off addresses on your e-ticket before travelling.
It depends on the service. Some bus and flight options are direct, while others may include a change. The booking page shows the details for each departure, so check the itinerary before paying if you want a direct trip.
Why visit Los Angeles?
- ✓ Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take in the view of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory
- ✓ Spend a sunset on Santa Monica Pier and cycle the beachfront path to Venice Beach
- ✓ Tour a film studio at Universal Studios Hollywood or Warner Bros. Studio
- ✓ Explore the Getty Center for world-class art, gardens and panoramic city views
- ✓ Browse the Grand Central Market and the street art of the Arts District in Downtown LA
When to visit Los Angeles?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
March to May and September to November — warm sunny days, mild evenings and fewer crowds than in summer
What to do in Los Angeles?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Los Angeles?
Plan 4 to 5 days to cover the essentials: Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center and a studio tour. With 3 days, stick to two or three areas to limit time lost in traffic. Rent a car or budget for rideshares, as distances are huge, and avoid driving between 4 and 7 pm.
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