The bus ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a journey that is worth taking. This epic road trip takes you along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, through rolling hills and past towering mountains, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Along the way, you will pass through charming coastal towns and vibrant cities, each with its own unique history and culture.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing journey to unwind and recharge or an exciting budget adventure, the bus trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles is the perfect way to experience the beauty and vibrancy of the California coast on a budget. So if you're ready for an unforgettable journey along one of America's most iconic road trips, don't hesitate – book your ticket today and get ready to explore the Golden State!
San Francisco ➟ Los Angeles
Traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles CA means covering about 440 miles (700 km), making the bus journey a long and scenic one. Depending on traffic and stops along the way, the trip can take anywhere from 7 to 12 hours to complete, depending on the stops the bus makes. Yes, it can be a long ride, but on the plus site, you'll be treated to some of the best views and stunning scenery as you make your way down California's iconic Pacific Coast Highway.
The busiest days to travel this route tend to be during the summer, when people are looking for a fun and affordable way to escape the heat. There are typically 25 departures each day on this route, with buses departing San Francisco at different times.

📷 Pacific Coast Highway, in California
Find the best bus tickets from San Francisco to LA
When looking for cheap bus tickets for this route, it is important to consider a few key factors. First, start by comparing prices and schedules to find the bus that offers the most convenient departure times. Busbud can help you with that, as we show you all departure times, prices and bus companies, all in one place.
You should also look at reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect on your trip, such as whether there are any stops along the way or any other special amenities you might be interested in.
Finally, try to buy your bus tickets as far in advance as possible to get the best ticket prices and ensure that you have a spot on your desired bus. With these tips in mind, you are sure to find the perfect bus ticket for your journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles!
How to choose the best bus company for this trip
You can travel this route with four bus companies: Greyhound, Ourbus, Amtrak buses and Flixbus. Each company offers its own set of advantages, depending on what you are looking for in your trip. They all offer free WiFi (subject to network availability), bathrooms, reclining seats and power outlets.
Ourbus is a popular choice, as they offer comfortable buses with features like extra legroom, free bottles of water and onboard WiFi. Although their prices can be slightly higher, many travelers prefer the extra amenities and convenience that Ourbus offers. Their buses are not available every day on this route and are quite sought-after, so you should book your tickets early to ensure your seat.
Greyhound buses are a popular choice among travelers, as they offer frequent departures and relatively affordable prices. It's a good option if you're looking for budget trips and don't mind making a few extra stops.
Amtrak Thruway buses are another popular choice on this route, as they usually offer spacious buses, with plenty of legroom. It's good to know they don't always use the same type of bus. Depending on how many people are traveling, they might use smaller buses or even vans if there are few passengers. Amtrak's schedule is coordinated with train schedules, so it's an advantage if you need to take the train to go the last mile of your trip. Very often, their bus routes include transfers to trains, which, in the case of San Francisco, happens in nearby cities like Oakland and Bakersville. Overall, travelers report their buses are comfortable and worth the price.
Finally, Flixbus offers yet another option for people traveling from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Their buses are comfortable and reliable, with competitive prices and flexible booking options. One advantage of Flixbus is that, by paying a fee, you can purchase an assigned seat, so you get to choose where to sit on the bus. They also sell drinks onboard.
Ultimately, the choice of bus company will depend on your individual travel needs and preferences, so be sure to compare the options available and find the one that is right for you.
Where to get the bus in San Francisco
Buses leave San Francisco from many different locations in the city, including the San Francisco Salesforce Transit Center, at 425 Mission Street, which is modern, clean, centrally located and easy to reach by public transportation.
You can also find buses departing from curbside stops in different parts of town, including downtown and near the Ferry Building.
Where you'll arrive in LA
Los Angeles also has quite a few bus stations spread out across town. The main bus stations in Los Angeles are the Greyhound Station, located at 1716 E 7th Street in Downtown LA, but there are also bus stations in North Hollywood, USC, and more. So remember to check the bus schedule carefully and plan ahead when booking your tickets.

📷 Los Angeles
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