How to get from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Adventure & Exploration · Scenic Journeys (Road & Rail) · United States of America · Los Angeles · San Francisco
San Francisco to Los Angeles is one of America’s classic corridors. You can fly (fastest), ride Amtrak for a relaxed city-center journey, take a budget intercity bus, drive the quick I-5 or the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, or book a private car if you want door-to-door convenience. Pick your style below—each option has clear steps and map links.
At A Glance (San Francisco to Los Angeles)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (SFO/OAK/SJC → LAX/BUR/LGB) | ~1h15 flight + 30–90m airport transfers | Fastest overall |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$60–180 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | alt. search | ||
| 🚆 Amtrak Train (via Emeryville/Bakersfield) | ~10–12h (train + thruway coach) | Comfort, views, city-center arrival |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$45–120 (Saver–Flexible) » Amtrak San Joaquins | ||
| 🚌 Intercity Bus (FlixBus/Greyhound) | ~7–9h (nonstop) / 9–11h (1–2 stops) | Lowest cost |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$25–70 one-way (date/time) | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (I-5 or Highway 1) | I-5: ~6–7h • Hwy 1: ~9–12h+ | Flexibility & scenic stops |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~US$50–120/day + fuel/tolls/parking » compare rentals | alt. car hire | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van | ~6–8h (direct) | Door-to-door, families, lots of luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$600–1,200 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest: Fly SFO/OAK/SJC → LAX/BUR/LGB; best when you only have a day or need guaranteed arrival windows.
- Most comfortable without flying: Amtrak—big seats, power outlets, and a relaxed pace with downtown-to-downtown convenience.
- Cheapest: Intercity buses (FlixBus/Greyhound) if you’re flexible on time of day.
- Most scenic/flexible: Drive Highway 1 for coast views (or fast I-5 if you’re just getting there).
- Door-to-door with kids/gear: Private transfer—no transfers, custom stops.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Peak travel: For weekends/holidays, book flights, trains, and buses early. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com.
- Local transfers: In SF/LA, ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft) is widely available; for fixed long-distance rates, use GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: If sightseeing before departure/after arrival, use Radical Storage San Francisco or Radical Storage Los Angeles.
- Road choice: I-5 is fastest; Highway 1/US-101 is slower but beautiful—plan daylight driving for viewpoints.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (Fastest)
Very fast Many daily flights Airport transfers
- Overview: Nonstop hops connect SFO/OAK/SJC with LAX/BUR/LGB. Total door-to-door time commonly 3–4.5 hours including transfers/security.
- How to book (with price): Fares often US$60–180 one-way (off-peak deals can be lower). Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: Fastest; tons of schedule choice. Cons: Airport time and baggage fees add up.
Step-by-step: Flight
- Choose your SF airport (SFO for most flights, OAK and SJC for deals) and LA airport (LAX widest options; BUR for Hollywood/Valley; LGB for Long Beach/OC).
- Compare fares and times on Booking.com Flights / Trip.com; book and check in online.
- Get to your departure airport by BART/Caltrain + AirTrain (for SFO) or rideshare; arrive 90–120 minutes before departure.
- On arrival in LA, use FlyAway/bus/rail or rideshare to your final address; allow extra time during rush hour.
Getting to the main embarking points (SFO/OAK/SJC & LAX/BUR/LGB)
- Bay Area: SFO via BART/Caltrain + AirTrain; OAK via BART; SJC via Caltrain/VTA or rideshare.
- Greater LA: LAX (FlyAway/bus/rail/taxis), BUR (Metrolink/Amtrak nearby), LGB (rideshare/taxis).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆 Option #2 — Amtrak Train (Relaxed, City-Center)
Spacious seats No TSA lines Longest duration
- Overview: Typical route: SF downtown (Amtrak Thruway bus) → Emeryville → San Joaquins train → Bakersfield → Amtrak Thruway coach → Los Angeles Union Station.
- How to book (with price): Usually US$45–120 each way depending on advance purchase and fare bucket. Book on the official site: Amtrak San Joaquins.
- Pros: Comfortable seats, power outlets, scenery, downtown arrival. Cons: 10–12 hours with a coach connection.
Step-by-step: Amtrak
- Search schedules on Amtrak for “San Francisco (Salesforce Transit Center)” to “Los Angeles Union Station.”
- Board the Thruway bus at SF Transbay/Salesforce Transit Center to Emeryville; connect to the San Joaquins train.
- Ride to Bakersfield and transfer to the Amtrak Thruway coach to Los Angeles Union Station.
- From Union Station, connect by Metro Rail, FlyAway, or rideshare to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (SF Transbay & LA Union Station)
- San Francisco: Salesforce Transit Center is reachable by Muni/BART; allow 20–30 minutes early.
- Los Angeles: Union Station links to Metro Rail (Red/Purple/Gold lines), regional rail, and FlyAway to LAX.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Intercity Bus (Budget)
Cheapest Frequent Traffic-dependent
- Overview: FlixBus and Greyhound operate all day and overnight from SF (Downtown/SF Caltrain/SFO areas) to multiple LA stops (Downtown, UCLA/Westwood, Hollywood, Anaheim).
- How to book (with price): From ~US$25–70 one-way depending on date/time and stop choice. Compare schedules and pick convenient stops (operators vary by season).
- Pros: Lowest price, many departures; overnight options save daytime. Cons: Seats vary, restroom stops only; traffic can add time.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus
- Choose SF pickup (e.g., Salesforce Transit Center, Fisherman’s Wharf area, or SFO curb—varies by operator/season).
- Select your LA stop (Downtown LA for transfers; Westwood for UCLA/Westside; Hollywood for central tourist areas).
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early; bring water/snacks, power bank, and optional neck pillow.
- On arrival, use Metro or rideshare to your final address.
Getting to the main embarking points (SF Downtown & LA Downtown)
- San Francisco: Many stops are near BART/Muni; confirm exact curb location in your e-ticket.
- Los Angeles: Downtown stops connect to Metro Rail (A/E lines from 7th/Metro, B/D at Pershing Sq./Civic Center).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (I-5 Fast or Highway 1 Scenic)
Maximum flexibility Scenic detours Driver fatigue
- Overview: Choose I-5 for the fastest run or Highway 1/US-101 for ocean views (Santa Cruz → Monterey → Big Sur → San Simeon → Santa Barbara → LA). Highway 1 has winding segments and frequent viewpoint stops.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~US$50–120/day depending on car class and pickup point. Compare on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Stop where you like; great photos/food towns. Cons: Long hours; Big Sur can have closures—check conditions.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up the car in SF (airport or downtown). Verify toll tag, spare tire, and roadside assistance.
- For speed: set navigation to I-5 South to Los Angeles. For scenery: plan Highway 1/US-101 with overnight in Monterey/Cambria/Santa Barbara.
- Fuel up before remote stretches; carry snacks/water. Drive in daylight for Big Sur viewpoints.
- Return the vehicle in LA (airport or city branch). One-way fees may apply—compare before booking.
Getting to the main embarking points (SF pickup & LA drop)
- SF pickup: Major depots around Union Square/Fisherman’s Wharf and SFO Rental Car Center (AirTrain Blue Line).
- LA drop: LAX Consolidated Rental Center (shuttles) or downtown/Westside branches—check hours.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)
No transfers Great with kids/gear Higher cost
- Overview: A professional driver picks you up anywhere in SF (or SFO) and drops you at your LA address (or LAX), with optional sightseeing stops en route.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$600–1,200 per vehicle depending on size/date/hours. Compare offers on GetTransfer. (Rideshare apps also work for local hops.)
- Pros: Door-to-door, custom timing, luggage help. Cons: Costlier than bus/train; traffic still applies.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and desired departure time on GetTransfer.
- Confirm what’s included (fuel, tolls, waiting time, extra stops) and child seats if needed.
- Share your live location on pickup day; plan 1–2 meal/stretch breaks along I-5 or US-101.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Pickup: Any SF hotel/neighborhood or SFO curbside.
- Drop: Any LA address or LAX terminal; coordinate terminal/door numbers with your driver.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (San Francisco to Los Angeles)
Is flying always faster than driving?
Door-to-door, flying is usually ~3–4.5 hours depending on security/airport transfers. Driving I-5 can be ~6–7 hours without stops or traffic.
What’s the most scenic route?
Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) through Big Sur is iconic. Break it into 1–2 days for viewpoints and towns (Monterey, Carmel, Cambria, Santa Barbara).
Which LA airport should I choose?
LAX has the most flights; BUR is best for Hollywood/Valley; LGB for Long Beach/OC. Pick the one closest to your final destination.
Are trains reliable?
Amtrak is comfortable and generally punctual on this corridor, but it’s the slowest option. Bring snacks and enjoy the views and space.
How early should I book?
Flights and trains: 2–4 weeks for good prices on popular weekends; buses can be booked closer in but also spike for holidays.
Can I store luggage before departure?
Yes—use Radical Storage locations in SF or Los Angeles if your check-in/out times don’t align.