Travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles

Offers numerous direct flights connecting major airports in the San Francisco Bay Area with Los Angeles.

Primary departure airports include San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with arrivals typically at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Other airports like Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) to Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), or Orange County (SNA) are also common. Prices fluctuate based on booking in advance and demand.

Provides frequent direct flights, serving as a popular option for travel along the West Coast corridor.

Operates direct services primarily between SFO/OAK and LAX/BUR/LGB/SNA. Alaska Airlines is known for its extensive network within California. Booking in advance generally yields better fares.

Known for its no-frills service and flexible booking policies, with frequent flights between the regions.

Southwest often uses Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) for San Francisco Bay Area departures, and Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), or Los Angeles (LAX) for Los Angeles arrivals. Checked bags are typically included in the fare.

Offers scenic train journeys along the California coast, primarily via the 'Coast Starlight' service or a combination of train and Thruway bus.

Amtrak does not have a direct train station in San Francisco itself. Travelers typically take an Amtrak Thruway bus from San Francisco (e.g., San Francisco Ferry Building, Salesforce Plaza) to connect with trains at Emeryville or Oakland. The primary arrival station in Los Angeles is Union Station. The 'Coast Starlight' is particularly known for its scenic views. Advance booking is recommended for better prices, especially for sleeper cars.

Provides extensive intercity bus services, a budget-friendly option for travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Buses typically depart from the San Francisco Transit Center and arrive at Los Angeles Union Station (Patsaouras Transit Plaza). Journey times can vary significantly depending on the route, number of stops, and traffic conditions. Amenities often include free Wi-Fi and power outlets.

A popular choice for affordable bus travel, offering several direct connections daily.

FlixBus generally offers some of the fastest bus services on this route. Departure points in San Francisco may include the Townsend Street/5th Street stop or other designated locations. Arrival is typically at Los Angeles Union Station (Patsaouras Transit Plaza). Buses are usually equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore California's diverse landscapes at your own pace.

The distance is approximately 340-400 miles (545-649 km). The fastest route is typically via I-5, taking around 5.5 to 7 hours, largely dependent on traffic, especially around urban areas. A more scenic route, though longer (7-9 hours or more), is US-101 or parts of Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), offering coastal views, particularly south of San Luis Obispo. Tolls are generally not encountered on the primary inter-city freeway routes (I-5, US-101) unless choosing specific express lanes or crossing Bay Area bridges not directly on the main highway toward Los Angeles. Fuel costs are estimates and vary based on vehicle efficiency and current gas prices.