- Recommended
History Center of San Luis Obispo County
Regional history museum in a restored Carnegie Library with exhibits on Indigenous communities, ranching, rail, and town life.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$42
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$68
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h
Average journey duration on Sep 20
5 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 20
7
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 7 buses from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 260 km distance in an average of 5 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 6 h 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.
FlixBus
4885 · 1585 · 4785
4869 · 1569 · 4769
4861 · 1561 · 4761
4869 · 1569 · 4769
FlixBus
4885 · 1585 · 4785
4861 · 1561 · 4761
4869 · 1569 · 4769
4885 · 1585 · 4785Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $51 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 4h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $51, while a flight costs an average of $769.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $769 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 34m Average total duration Fastest 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $78.
A bus is $718 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $769.
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 4m.
Train takes on average 5h 20m.
Tickets start at around $51 compared to roughly $38 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.85. The journey takes 4h 4m versus 3h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:13PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 5h22 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:13PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 5h22 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:50 PM Los Angeles, CA | 8h40 | 12:30 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:13 PM Los Angeles, CA | 5h22 | 11:35 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:40 PM Los Angeles, CA | 4h20 | 11:00 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:13 PM Los Angeles, CA | 5h22 | 12:35 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Buses from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 20:05. The fastest bus covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 35m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 8:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of San Luis Obispo, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Luis Obispo, CA trip today.
Regional history museum in a restored Carnegie Library with exhibits on Indigenous communities, ranching, rail, and town life.
Rail museum by the station with model layouts, restored equipment, and hands-on displays for families and train enthusiasts.
Children’s museum downtown with interactive science, art, and play exhibits designed for younger visitors and family outings.
Downtown creekside park with lawns, paths, public art, and regular community events in the center of the city.
Popular local peak with a short but steep trail, broad city views, and sunset scenery close to downtown.
Compact downtown district with shops, historic facades, galleries, and walkable streets linking major sights and events.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, 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.

Most Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) station pair. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes.
Available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes: The station is accessible to people with disabilities.
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) is 1 km from San Luis Obispo city centre. Public transport options include:
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum). ATMs are available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum).
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum).
Available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum): Basic accessibility features available.
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