The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$69
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$69
Fastest journey on Sep 15
18 h
Average journey duration on Sep 15
18 h
Buses on Sep 15
1
Distance
431 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA without transferring at least once.
7:25 PM18h00San Diego, CA1:25 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$691One-way1 transfer
7:25 PM18h00San Diego, CA1:25 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$691One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $58 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, while a flight costs an average of $737.
Distance: 267 miles (431 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $102 Average price | $737 Average price | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 58m Average total duration 8h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 52m Average total duration 8h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $102.
A bus is $679 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $737.
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 22m.
Bus takes on average 8h 28m.
Tickets start at around $58 compared to roughly $71 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $13. The journey takes 8h 28m versus 5h 15m 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.
San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound Mexico | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train, bus, or flight
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.
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Why should you book San Diego, 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 Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Buses from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 21:25. The fastest bus covers the 267 miles (431 km) distance in 8h 5m.
Distance 267 miles (431 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 5m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CAYou can travel by bus between San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $68. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- 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 San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Most San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which San Diego, CA station do buses to San Luis Obispo, CA leave from?
Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) bus station facilities and services
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center bus station facilities and services
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Which San Luis Obispo, CA station do buses from San Diego, CA arrive at?
Getting to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) from San Luis Obispo city centre
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) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
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).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum): Basic accessibility features available.
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need



