How to Get to Pismo Beach, California

Pismo Beach, California, has brought visitors from far and wide for decades. Luckily, there are plenty of convenient ways to reach your Pismo Beach condo rental, no matter where you’re traveling from. Once you’re here, you’ll be able to experience the best of central California, from the incredible wildlife to the Pismo Beach restaurants, rich history, and other fun things to do in Pismo Beach. When planning your vacation, you’ll likely want to know the best airport near Pismo Beach or the easiest way to drive into the city. Here’s everything you need to know about reaching Pismo Beach.

pismo beach pier

Closest Airport to Pismo Beach

While there are several airports close to Pismo Beach, California, the closest option is San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP).

SBP is just 15 minutes from the city. While there are several airports close to Pismo Beach, California, the closest option is San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP). This option is just 15 minutes from the city. However, you can also fly into LAX, Burbank, Santa Barbara, or Fresno. LAX offers a shuttle to Pismo Beach every 4 hours for a journey that is about 4 hours long. Burbank’s airport offers a similar train transportation option, but it takes a bit longer at around 4.5 hours. If you do choose to fly to Pismo Beach, the most convenient option is to fly into SPB or get a transfer from another major airport.

From San Francisco

golden gate bridge

If you are driving from San Francisco to Pismo Beach, expect your drive to take around 4 hours with no stops. The total distance is 246 miles. This is arguably the cheapest option, but it may take longer than 4 hours depending on traffic and the number and length of the stops you make. You can also fly into Pismo Beach from San Francisco, where your trip will take you from SFO to SBP in about an hour. 

If you want to take a more scenic route, Amtrak has a route from San Francisco into Pismo Beach. The lowest average price is around $54, making this option a budget-friendly way to travel. You will travel approximately 207 miles for a seven-hour journey.

From Los Angeles

The journey from Los Angeles to Pismo Beach is a bit shorter, and if you choose to drive, you’ll spend 3 to 3.5 hours in the car. Most of your drive will take you on US-101 through Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. If you choose to fly, you can quickly get from LAX to SPB on a one-hour journey. While this is a pricier option, it is easily the fastest.

amtrack train on California coast

Amtrak also offers a trip from LA to Grover Beach, which is just one town away from Pismo Beach. The Amtrak journey will take you almost 5 hours, and tickets range around $40 per person. Once you reach Grover Beach, it’s easy to find transportation to Pismo Beach with a taxi or an Uber.

Plan Your Vacation

Ready to start planning your dream getaway? Contact us today to learn more about all of our Pismo Beach rentals!

family walking on Pismo Beach

Book Your Pismo Beach Vacation Rentals with Beach Bum

Once you reach Pismo Beach, you’ll need somewhere to stay! Beach Bum Holiday Rentals is proud to offer some of the most unique and comforting rentals in the area. Each unit has been uniquely decorated and is designed to give you the most comfortable vacation you can imagine. You’ll find various amenities, including hot tubs, rooftop decks, and outdoor fire pits, to name a few. 

You can select a Pismo Beach vacation rental with a stunning beachfront view or one that puts you steps away from downtown Pismo. If you ever have a question or concern about your rental, feel free to contact our staff. We are dedicated to creating a family-like atmosphere, so no request is too big or small.