The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$112
Average price
$190
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
8 h 19 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $190 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $112.
Of the 5 buses that leave San Jose, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Wed, Nov 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 26 the direct buses cover the 254 km distance in an average of 8 h 19 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest buses will take 10 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.
3910 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 4010 AMTRAK
3910 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 4010 AMTRAK
FlixBus
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK
FlixBus
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK
3910 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 4010 AMTRAK
3910 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 4010 AMTRAKTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €26. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €26, and a flight costs an average of €94.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€45 Average price Cheapest | €58 Average price | €321 Average price |
4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 41m Average total duration 7h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:48AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 6h12 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:26AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 8h59 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $284 |
Live departures
San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:25 PM San Jose, CA | 3h25 | 7:50 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:55 PM San Jose, CA | 3h15 | 8:10 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:48 PM San Jose, CA | 4h37 | 2:25 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 prices and tickets San Jose, 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.
Nov 26
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Dec 01
Dec 02
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Buses from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 16:35. The fastest bus covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 10m |
First bus 00:30 |
Last bus 16:35 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA start from as low as $32 (€26) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $55 (€45) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 4 daily trains from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with 1 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 3h 10m but the average duration is 3h 41m
Train Operators
- Travel from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with FlixBus
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is FlixBus.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) and arrive in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA
- First train typically departs at 12:30 AM and the last at 04:35 PM
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CAYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with FlixBus for as low as $32 (€26). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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 San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
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