The cheapest and fastest buses from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
8 h 45 m
Average duration
8 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
316 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for Irvine, CA on Thu, May 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 07 the direct buses cover the 316 km distance in an average of 8 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 45 m .
On Thu, May 07 the slowest buses will take 8 h 45 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.
8:55 PM8h45San Luis Obispo, CA5:40 AMIrvine, CA$611One-way0 transfers
8:55 PM8h45San Luis Obispo, CA5:40 AMIrvine, CA$611One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 5m. 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 train costs an average of $50, and a bus costs an average of $42.
Distance: 196 miles (316 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 15m Average total duration 8h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 35m Average total duration Fastest 7h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA:
A train is $15 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA costing on average $70 (€56).
Other travel options to Irvine, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 45m.
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.
Live departures
San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA buses for today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 8h45 | 5:40 AM Irvine, 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Buses from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€33) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:45, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 196 miles (316 km) distance in 8h 45m.
Distance 196 miles (316 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€33) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 8h 45m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 35 days |
FAQs: Bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Orange County Great Park, a large public park offering sports facilities, a carousel, and a giant helium balloon ride for panoramic views
- Irvine Spectrum Center, a popular outdoor shopping center with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options including a Ferris wheel
- Bommer Canyon, a nature preserve with hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding hills
- Pretend City Children's Museum, an interactive museum designed for children to explore and learn through play
- Irvine Museum, a museum dedicated to the preservation and display of California Impressionist art.
- Tanaka Farms, a family-friendly farm offering seasonal tours and fresh produce picking
- Irvine Barclay Theatre, a venue offering a variety of performances including music, dance, and theater
- San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, a peaceful place for bird watching and enjoying nature
- K1 Speed, an indoor go-kart racing track for thrill-seekers
- William R. Mason Regional Park, a large park with picnic areas, walking trails, and a lake for paddle boating.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Most popular bus connections from San Luis Obispo, CA
More options for your journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to Irvine, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
