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How to get fromSanta Monica to South Lake Tahoeby plane, bus, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), train, car, tram, or subway

Find Transport to South Lake Tahoe

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There are 9 ways to get from Santa Monica to South Lake Tahoe by plane, bus, bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), train, car, tram, or subway

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Reno/Tahoe International Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO)plane plane LAX - RNO
    2. Take the bus from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Margaritavillebus bus
    6h 24m
    $343–689

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Sacramento Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US0810 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Sacramento - Amtrak to South Lake Tahoe Wyebus bus Sac/SLT Connecting Bus
    15h 38m
    $64–129

  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to Sacramentotrain train Coast Starlight
    2. Take the bus from Sacramento - Amtrak to South Lake Tahoe Wyebus bus Sac/SLT Connecting Bus
    19h 41m
    $176–381

  4. Drive 440.2 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Monica to South Lake Tahoecar car 440.2 mi
    8h 14m
    $81–116

  5. Tram, subway to Burbank Bob Hope Airport, fly to Reno/Tahoe International Airport, bus

    1. Take the tram from Downtown Santa Monica Station to 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A & E Linestram tram
    2. Take the subway from 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro B & D Lines to North Hollywood Stationsubway subway
    3. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO)plane plane BUR - RNO
    4. Take the bus from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Margaritavillebus bus
    7h 24m
    $536–790

  6. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)plane plane LAX - SMF
    2. Take the bus from Sacramento - Amtrak to South Lake Tahoe Wyebus bus
    7h 47m
    $125–334

  7. Tram, line 191 bus to Long Beach Airport, fly to Reno/Tahoe International Airport, bus

    1. Take the tram from Downtown Santa Monica Station to Pico Stationtram tram
    2. Take the tram from Pico Station to Del Amo Stationtram tram
    3. Take the bus from Del Amo Station Bay 2 to Del Amo & Lakewood SEbus bus
    4. Fly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO)plane plane LGB - RNO
    5. Take the bus from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Margaritavillebus bus
    8h 19m
    $93–392

  8. Fly Burbank Bob Hope Airport to Sacramento International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)plane plane BUR - SMF
    2. Take the bus from Sacramento - Amtrak to South Lake Tahoe Wyebus bus
    8h 48m
    $178–665

  9. Bus via San Jose

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles - Pacoima to San Jose - King Rd Pink Elephantbus bus Nogales
    2. Take the bus from San Jose Park and Ride to Heavenly Valley Ski Lodgebus bus Heavenly Ski Lodge
    16h 40m
    $182–212

Santa Monica to South Lake Tahoe by tram, subway, train, and bus

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration19h 41mAverage Duration
Ticket$176Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to South Lake Tahoe.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 462 mi
  • Duration: 6h 24m

What companies run services between Santa Monica, CA, USA and South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA?

You can take a bus from 2nd / Broadway to US 50/ Carson Ave via Los Angeles Union Station, Sacramento Bus Station, Sacramento - Amtrak, and South Y Transit Center in around 15h 38m.

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