How do I get from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe without a car?

The bus is the best choice to get to South Lake Tahoe without a car. Traveling by bus offers a budget-friendly, secure, and easy way to go between the two cities. You also have the option of using carpooling services.

How long is the bus trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

The travel time from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe is about 5h 50m, but the quickest bus can get you there in about 5h 30m. This is the time it takes to travel the 155 miles (250 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is San Francisco from South Lake Tahoe?

About 155 miles (250 km) separate San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

Most of the buses traveling from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe leave from Hyde/Beach (Fisherman's Wharf) and arrive at Stateline Transit Center. These are the main pick-up and drop-off locations on this route, but you can also find other options that could better fit your plans.

What is the cheapest way to go from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?

You can save a lot of money on your trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe by choosing to travel by bus. $76 is the starting point for the cost-effective bus ride to South Lake Tahoe from San Francisco.

How much does a bus ticket from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe cost?

The average price of a one-way ticket from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe is $76. Over the last 30 days, the prices ranged between $76 and $76, so make sure to compare them to get the best option.

San Francisco (CA), US to South Lake Tahoe Bus Tickets

TomorrowApr 17

from $72

FriApr 18

SatApr 19

SunApr 20

MonApr 21

TueApr 22

WedApr 23

ThuApr 24

Next departures to South Lake Tahoe

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: April 17 at 6:55am
Departure city: San Francisco
Departure location: Mission St & Fremont St
Arrival time: April 17 at 12:30pm
Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
Destination location: Emerald Bay Rd
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 5h 35m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: April 17 at 7:00am
Departure city: San Francisco
Departure location: Mission St & Fremont St
Arrival time: April 17 at 12:30pm
Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
Destination location: Emerald Bay Rd
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 5h 30m
Departure time: April 17 at 7:00am
Departure city: San Francisco
Departure location: Mission St & Fremont St
Arrival time: April 17 at 12:30pm
Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
Destination location: Emerald Bay Rd
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 5h 30m
Departure time: April 17 at 6:55am
Departure city: San Francisco
Departure location: Mission St & Fremont St
Arrival time: April 17 at 12:50pm
Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
Destination location: Stateline Transit Center
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 5h 55m
Departure time: April 17 at 7:00am
Departure city: San Francisco
Departure location: Mission St & Fremont St
Arrival time: April 17 at 12:50pm
Destination city: South Lake Tahoe
Destination location: Stateline Transit Center
Operated by: Amtrak
Vehicle: BusDuration: 5h 50m

Accepted payments

Bus San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$76

Average bus trip duration5h 50m

Number of daily buses3

Earliest bus departure6:40am

Distance151 miles (243 km)

Latest bus departure7:00am

Compare bus companies

Amtrak

4/55,052 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Customers had a great experience with helpful signage and employees in the area. Some expected a toilet and plug outlet on the bus, which was not available for them.

Amtrak San Francisco South Lake Tahoe recent customer reviews

Experience was great. Really appreciated the signage. Very helpful as were the employees n the area.

Joyce M.

June 13, 2023

The buses and train were always on time

Sergio B.

January 3, 2025

Expected there to be a toilet and a plug outlet on the bus

Hazel V.

October 21, 2023

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Valley Transit, Tornado Bus, New York Trailways, Wanda Coach

San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe Bus

Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe.

Bus service from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Where are the popular stops in San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe?

Stops in San Francisco

A - Hyde/Beach (Fisherman's Wharf)

B - Powell Station

C - Union Square Hilton

D - San Francisco Greyhound Station

E - 444 Townsend St.

Stops in South Lake Tahoe

A - Stateline Transit Center

Frequently asked questions for your trip San Francisco - South Lake Tahoe

How do I get from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe without a car?
How long is the bus trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?
How far is San Francisco from South Lake Tahoe?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?
What is the cheapest way to go from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe?
How much does a bus ticket from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe cost?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

04/14

$72

04/15

$72

Today

$72

04/17

$72

04/18

$72

04/19

$72

04/20

No data

04/21

$72

The cheapest trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe was searched and found on Apr 14, 2025 with a price of $72

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $72 to $72 for a bus ticket from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $72 which is on 2025-04-17.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe.

Did you know?

The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

Will you be returning to San Francisco by bus?

Bus from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe

You can also go to South Lake Tahoe by train

Train from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Bus Tickets from San Francisco, CA to South Lake Tahoe, CA