The cheapest and fastest buses from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 58 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
121 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 2 buses that leave Goleta, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 121 km distance in an average of 1 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 40 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 2 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
8:45 PM2h15Goleta, CA11:00 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$301One-way0 transfers
6:45 PM1h40Goleta, CA8:25 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$311One-way0 transfers
6:45 PM1h40Goleta, CA8:25 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$311One-way0 transfers
8:45 PM2h15Goleta, CA11:00 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a train costs an average of $44.
Distance: 75 miles (121 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price |
2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $45 (€37).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 36m.
Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator VCTC Intercity | Departure Time 09:38AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 4h32 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:39PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:39PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Live departures
Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:45 PM Goleta, CA | 2h15 | 11:00 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of VCTC Intercity to find the best option for your trip from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Buses from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:39, the last at 19:25. The fastest bus covers the 75 miles (121 km) distance in 1h 40m.
Distance 75 miles (121 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 40m |
First bus 6:39 AM |
Last bus 7:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, VCTC Intercity from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CAYou can travel by bus between Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with FlixBus, VCTC Intercity for as low as $27 (€22). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
VCTC Intercity
FAQs: Bus from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Luis Obispo, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Bubblegum Alley, a narrow alleyway famous for its walls covered in layers of chewed gum left by visitors
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a historic Spanish mission founded in 1772 with a museum and beautiful gardens
- Bishop Peak, a popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes
- San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum showcasing works by regional and national artists
- Avila Beach, a nearby coastal spot known for its sandy shores and scenic pier.
- Stroll through Downtown SLO, a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and the famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market
- Attend a performance at the Fremont Theater, a historic venue known for its art deco architecture and live events
- Visit the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, offering interactive exhibits and activities for kids
- Explore the local wineries and vineyards, enjoying tastings and tours in the Edna Valley wine region
- Discover the natural beauty of Montana de Oro State Park, with its rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and scenic hiking trails.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Most Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) station pair. Use this guide to compare Goleta, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) from San Luis Obispo city centre
Most popular bus connections from Goleta, CA
More options for your journey from Goleta, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

