- 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.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 3 buses from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 315 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 5 h 10 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.

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||
Buses from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 16:10. The fastest bus covers the 195 miles (315 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 195 miles (315 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:57AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 5h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:47AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 7h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:16PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 5h59 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:36PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:36PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:46PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 5h29 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:46PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 5h29 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $80 |
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:50 PM Oakland, CA | 5h10 | 7:00 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:40 PM Oakland, CA | 5h10 | 7:50 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:40 PM Oakland, CA | 5h10 | 8:50 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:46 PM Oakland, CA | 5h29 | 3:15 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Tri-tip barbecue is Central Coast's signature beef cut, oak-grilled and sliced. It is a regional staple tied to Santa Maria-style cookouts nearby.
Santa Maria-style beans are pink beans simmered with bacon, ham, and spices. They commonly accompany local barbecue across the Central Coast.
Abalone is a historic Central Coast seafood, often pan-fried or breaded. It reflects the area's coastal harvest traditions and old California cuisine.
Long-running seafood house near downtown with oysters, chowder, and fish dishes. Relaxed classic atmosphere focused on fresh coastal fare.
Lively downtown grill known for oak-fired tri-tip, steaks, and seafood. Casual, historic setting and a classic place to try Central Coast barbecue.
Refined downtown restaurant serving contemporary Californian dishes and cocktails. Stylish atmosphere suited to a more upscale dinner.
Moderate for California. Hotels and dining cost more than smaller inland towns, but transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screens.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses use the Oakland, West Oakland BART Station to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) station pair. Use this guide to compare Oakland, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station is 2 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station. ATMs are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Ticket office support is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Station is fully accessible with elevators.
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.
Check bus stations information for Oakland, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need