4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
17 h 12 m
Average duration
17 h 12 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
316 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
It's difficult to get from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
8:13 PM17h12Irvine, CA1:25 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$481One-way2 transfers
- 8:13 PM17h12Irvine, CA1:25 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$481One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 196 miles (316 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 27m Average total duration 23h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration Fastest 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $54 (€44).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 57m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 08:13PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 17h12 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 37h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Compare prices and tickets Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 23h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 196 miles (316 km) distance in 17h 0m.
Distance 196 miles (316 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 17h 0m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Bus providers: OCTA from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CAYou can travel by bus between Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with OCTA for as low as $48 (€39). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
OCTA
FAQs: Bus from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, 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.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Most popular bus connections from Irvine, CA
More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Luis Obispo, CA and Irvine, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Luis Obispo, CA
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