Travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco

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Fly via
United Airlines
USD 50-300+1h 30m - 1h 40m
Depart: Multiple times daily (e.g., early morning to late evening)Arrive: Varies by departure
Offers numerous direct flights daily between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Flights typically depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Prices can fluctuate based on booking in advance and demand.
American Airlines
USD 50-300+1h 30m - 1h 40m
Depart: Several daily servicesArrive: Varies by departure
Provides frequent direct services connecting Southern and Northern California by air.
Operates direct flights between LAX and SFO. Consider alternative airports in the Los Angeles and Bay Area for potentially different fares.
Delta Air Lines
USD 50-300+1h 30m - 1h 40m
Depart: Hourly departures during peak timesArrive: Varies by departure
Connects Los Angeles and San Francisco with multiple daily direct flights.
Major carrier with frequent flights from LAX to SFO. Booking in advance generally yields better prices.
Southwest Airlines
USD 50-250+1h 30m - 1h 40m
Depart: Numerous daily flightsArrive: Varies by departure
Known for direct flights with a more flexible baggage policy and no change fees.
Serves LAX and SFO, as well as other airports like BUR, OAK, SJC for potentially different route options and pricing. Check their website for specific routes.
Alaska Airlines
USD 50-250+1h 30m - 1h 40m
Depart: Frequent daily servicesArrive: Varies by departure
Offers many direct flights, providing a convenient link between the two major Californian cities.
A significant presence on the West Coast, with regular direct flights from LAX to SFO.
Frontier Airlines
USD 40-150+1h 30m - 1h 40m
Depart: Multiple daily flightsArrive: Varies by departure
Provides budget-friendly direct flight options, often with lower base fares.
As a low-cost carrier, be aware of additional fees for baggage and seat selection. Flights primarily operate between LAX and SFO.
JetBlue
USD 60-200+1h 30m - 1h 40m
Depart: Several daily departuresArrive: Varies by departure
Offers direct flights with a focus on a comfortable flying experience.
Known for amenities and service, operating direct flights between LAX and SFO.
Train via
Amtrak
USD 46-1509h 30m - 12h 0m
Depart: Several daily servicesArrive: Varies based on connections
Travels along the scenic California coast, offering a relaxing journey with a Thruway bus connection to San Francisco.
The primary train service, usually involving the Coast Starlight route with a dedicated Amtrak Thruway bus connection from Emeryville station to various points in San Francisco, including the Ferry Building. Prices vary by class (Coach, Business, Sleeper) and how far in advance you book.
Bus via
Greyhound
USD 35-908h 10m - 12h 0m
Depart: Multiple daily servicesArrive: Varies by departure
A popular choice for intercity bus travel, offering multiple departures throughout the day.
Direct services are available, connecting Los Angeles Union Station to the San Francisco Bus Station. Comfort amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets are often available.
FlixBus
USD 35-806h 45m - 10h 0m
Depart: Several daily departuresArrive: Varies by departure
Known for affordable fares and a growing network, with several daily routes between the cities.
Offers competitive pricing and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and charging ports. Departure points in Los Angeles include Union Station, arriving at various locations in San Francisco.
Megabus
USD 30-707h 0m - 11h 0m
Depart: Multiple daily servicesArrive: Varies by departure
Provides low-cost bus travel with varying schedules and amenities.
Fares can be very economical, especially when booked well in advance. Check their website for specific departure and arrival locations and current schedules.
Drive via
Self-Drive
USD 60-100+ (fuel estimate)6h 0m - 10h 0m+
Depart: FlexibleArrive: Flexible
Driving offers flexibility and the chance to explore various routes and attractions along the way.
The fastest route (I-5 N) covers approximately 380-400 miles and typically takes 6-7 hours without significant traffic or stops. The more scenic US-101 route is around 430 miles and takes longer (7-8 hours). Highway 1, while beautiful, is a much longer drive (450-500+ miles) and is best suited for a multi-day road trip. Typical fuel costs for a standard vehicle (approx. 25 MPG) can range from USD 60-100+, based on an average California gas price of USD 4.40-4.60 per gallon. There are no direct tolls on I-5 or US-101 between Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, tolls apply when crossing certain Bay Area bridges into San Francisco (e.g., Golden Gate Bridge southbound, Bay Bridge westbound). Express lanes in certain areas may also incur tolls.
Plan activities, hotels, and more around this journey
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