If you’re wondering how far is San Francisco to Big Sur, the answer is about 146 miles down the Pacific Coast Highway as you know, that famous Highway 1 everyone raves about. This drive is seriously one of the most beautiful in the world. If you travel straight, it’ll take you somewhere between 2.5 to 3.5 hours, but honestly who does that? Most of us turn it into a proper full-day or even multi-day San Francisco to Big Sur road trip so we can actually soak in those crazy cliffs, redwood groves, hidden beaches and nonstop ocean views. I’ve put together everything you need right here like exact distances, real drive times, best routes, all the must-stop spots, easy itineraries and different ways to travel. Let’s get into it!
San Francisco to Big Sur Distance and Drive Time Breakdown
The distance is about 146 miles from San Francisco to Big Sur. Driving from San Francisco to Big Sur generally takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours if you don’t pause, however, the true attraction is the landscape, and you should allow 6 to 10 hours or longer to get out for pictures and do some quick walks. Things such as the traffic as you leave San Francisco, mist, or twisting roads are able to increase the time it takes. A simple display of distance and travelling time from San Francisco to Big Sur is given here:
| Starting Point | Distance (miles) | Non-Stop Drive Time | With Scenic Stops |
| Downtown San Francisco | 146 | 2.5 to 3 hours | 6 to 8 hours |
| San Francisco Airport (SFO) | ~160 | 3 to 3.5 hours | 7 to 9 hours |
| Monterey (mid-way point) | ~50 to Big Sur | 1 to 1.5 hours | 3 to 4 hours |
The Best Routes from San Francisco to Big Sur
Choose from several driving routes to Big Sur, each offering unique blends of scenery, speed, and distance. The coastal path delivers unmatched views, while alternatives save time.
Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – The Iconic Scenic Route
Distance: 146 miles
Driving time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours without stops
This is the one everyone talks about. You stay on the coast, passing Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey. The ocean is right there the whole time, with crazy turns and redwoods popping up. Just watch the road—those edges are close. As of right now in February 2026, the whole stretch through Big Sur is open, no closures.
Faster Inland Route via US-101
Distance: 150 to 155 miles
Driving time: 2.5 to 3 hours without stops
Go south on 101 to Salinas, cut over on CA-68 to Monterey, then pick up Highway 1. It’s mostly a big freeway until Monterey, so it’s faster and easier on the nerves. You miss some coast early on, but it’s smart if you’re in a hurry or it’s foggy.
Hybrid Route with 17-Mile Drive Detour
Distance: 155–160 miles
Driving time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours without stops
Take Highway 1 to Monterey/Carmel, then do the famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach (it’s $12 per car). You’ll see those twisted cypress trees, fancy golf courses, big houses. Then back on Highway 1. It feels more special, less rushed.
San Francisco Airport to Big Sur: Starting from SFO
If you’re flying in and searching for San Francisco Airport to Big Sur, the distance is around 160 miles with a non-stop drive time of 3 to 3.5 hours. Starting from SFO adds a bit more time because of the airport traffic and the route heading south through Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. Many visitors prefer an airport pickup so they can skip the rental car lines completely and start their coastal adventure in total relaxation mode.
Must-See Stops Along the San Francisco to Big Sur Drive
These are the most recommended pitfalls between San Francisco and Big Sur that make a boring commute an incredible road trip. The following are the best places along the Pacific Coast Highway, in terms of distance to San Francisco:
- Half Moon Bay is approximately 30 miles from San Francisco. It is an awesome place having clean sea beaches, good hiking paths, pumpkin festivals and lots of local seafood to eat.
- Santa Cruz is nearly 70 miles apart from San Francisco. It has a popular boardwalk along the beach, old school arcade games, excellent surfing and a funky atmosphere.
- San Francisco and Monterey are approximately 115 miles apart and it has the popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. Another thing to visit is historic Cannery Row that boasts of numerous shops and restaurants.
- 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach is about 120 miles from San Francisco. It is a scenic road, with breathtaking ocean scenery, Lone Cypress, famous golf courses of the area, etc.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea will be approximately 125 miles away from San Francisco. It is a lovely little village of fairy-tale cottages, art-galleries, small stores, and a lovely white-sand beach.
- The state natural reserve of the point lobos is approximately 130 miles south of San Francisco and is regarded as the crown jewel of the state parks. It is ruggedly covered, it has hiking trails, sea animals, and places where you can see whales.
- The Bixby Creek Bridge is approximately 130 miles of San Francisco. The bridge is a well-known arch that spans a steep ravine and is among the most captured areas on Highway 1.
- Pfeiffer Beach is approximately 140 miles from San Francisco. It is a quiet place with its strange purple sand, large rocks that stick out of the water and the famous Keyhole Arch.
- McWay Falls is approximately 140 miles away from the city of San Francisco. It is an 80-foot waterfall which falls directly on a quiet turquoise cove with a sandy beach at the bottom.
- Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park is approximately 145 miles off San Francisco. It has gorgeous redwood woods, coast paths, and wonderful places where you can observe the precipices and the sea waves.
| Stop | Distance from SF | Time | Highlight |
| Half Moon Bay | 30 miles | 1 hour | Coastal trails and beaches |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | 115 miles | 2 to 3 hours | Incredible marine exhibits |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 125 miles | 1 to 2 hours | Quaint shops and beach walks |
| Bixby Creek Bridge | 130 miles | 30 minutes | Perfect photo opportunity |
| McWay Falls | 140 miles | 45 minutes | Waterfall onto the beach |
| Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park | 145 miles | 1 to 2 hours | Hiking among redwoods |
San Francisco to Big Sur Itinerary Ideas
A well-planned San Francisco to Big Sur itinerary helps you make the most of the trip. Here are flexible options:
- Day Trip (long but doable): Leave early, hit key stops like Monterey, Carmel, Bixby Bridge, and McWay Falls, then return late.
- 2-Day Itinerary (recommended): Day 1 – Drive to Monterey/Carmel with stops, overnight there. Day 2 – Explore Big Sur highlights and return or continue south.
- 3-Day Relaxed Version: Add extra time for hiking in Point Lobos, beach relaxation, or dining in Carmel.
How to Get from San Francisco to Big Sur: Transportation Options
Wondering how to get from San Francisco to Big Sur? Here are the main transportation options compared for flexibility, comfort, time, and overall experience.
Self-Driving
Driving by self gives you the freedom to stop at points of interest like taking a break along the route to see scenic views, beaches or other attractions. Driving on winding roads with a lot of curves, where shoulders are narrow as well as being subject to fog and traffic from other vehicles is exhausting and stressful because it requires full concentration.
Public Transportation
There is no bus or train that directly connects San Francisco with Big Sur. Amtrak can be taken to either Salinas or Monterey. From either of these locations, there are limited public bus options/departures (for example, public bus service from Monterey to Salinas). Timing is not a commodity with public transit service and even Amtrak has seasonal schedules, as it can take between 6 & 8 hours or longer to travel from San Francisco to Big Sur using public transit.
Group Tours
There are several companies offering one-day guided bus tours from San Francisco that include many of the most popular sites, such as Monterey, Carmel and Bixby Bridge; however, since there are fixed itineraries there is limited flexibility. A crowded bus with lots of tourists will limit how much you enjoy the experience compared to using other modes of transportation.
Luxury Limousine Service
This is the ultimate way to travel stress free, as you relax in the spacious interior of a premium vehicle while a professional chauffeur drives you along the challenging coastal route. To get a real taste of what it’s like to be on Highway 1, book your travel with Golden Limousine Service, and they will ensure that you have the greatest possible experience while travelling from San Francisco to Big Sur.
Why Choose Our Golden State Limousine for Your Pacific Coast Highway Trip
How far is San Francisco to Big Sur might be the first question, but how to best experience it is the next. The twisty roads along Highway 1 require attention to fog, road width, and cliffs, making a self-drive trip tiring. This is where Golden State Limousine excels. Our chauffeur-driven transportation allows you to relax and enjoy the ocean views while stopping whenever you find the perfect photo spot, such as at Garrapata State Park or Ragged Point. The advantages are:
- Experienced drivers familiar with Highway 1.
- Roomy and luxurious vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi and snacks.
- Flexible itineraries without the pressure of bus timings.
- Convenient airport transfers from SFO.
- Relaxed and safe travel so that everyone can enjoy the redwoods, beaches, and attractions.
Conclusion
The trip from San Francisco to Big Sur is about 146 miles down Highway 1 and it’s among the most beautiful drives anywhere, with sharp cliffs, secluded bays, stands of redwood, and well-known sights. The thing you’ll get out of it, whether you go and return in one day or have a longer, more leisurely holiday, is the landscape. To travel in the greatest ease and without any bother, reserve a car with Golden State Limousine and have a trained driver manage the twisting roads while you just take in the sights.