Los Angeles and San Francisco are about 559 km (347 miles) apart as the crow flies. The best way to travel between them is usually a fast train or a short flight. Here are your options.
Distance
559 km
In miles
347 mi
Best way
fast train or a short flight
Ways to get from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Flight
~2.5h door-to-airport-to-door
Fastest for longer hops; book direct where possible.
Train or bus
~6.5h if a direct line exists
Often the most scenic and city-centre-to-city-centre option.
Drive
~7.5h behind the wheel
Great for flexibility and stops, assumes a land route is available.
Times are estimates from straight-line distance to help you plan, always check live schedules and whether a land route exists before booking.
Planning this trip?
Get a free day-by-day plan for San Francisco, or a two-city itinerary.
Los Angeles to San Francisco: questions
How far is San Francisco from Los Angeles?+
Los Angeles and San Francisco are about 559 km (347 miles) apart in a straight line. The actual travel distance by road or air will be a little longer.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco?+
Allow about 2.5h door-to-airport-to-door in total. Actual flight time depends on the route and any connections; direct flights are quickest.
Can you travel overland from Los Angeles to San Francisco?+
Yes, at roughly 559 km apart, a train, bus or drive is realistic where a land route exists, and often more scenic than flying.