- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
lei253
Average ticket price on Sep 19
lei254
Fastest journey on Sep 19
11 h 37 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
11 h 37 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
374 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA will cost around lei254 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only lei253.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 374 km distance in an average of 11 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 37 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 11 h 37 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of lei498 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of lei498, while a flight costs an average of lei3708.
Distance: 232 miles (374 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
lei580 Average price | lei498 Average price Cheapest | lei3708 Average price | lei268 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 4m Average total duration 11h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration 8h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A train is lei82 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average lei580.
A train is lei3210 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average lei3708.
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 44m.
Bus takes on average 11h 34m.
Tickets start at around lei580 compared to roughly lei268 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about lei-311.73. The journey takes 11h 34m versus 4h 21m 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 07:30AM | Arrival Time 07:07PM | Duration 11h37 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price lei254 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 08:07PM | Duration 11h37 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price lei253 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price lei274 |
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:30 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 11h37 | 7:07 PM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 11h37 | 8:07 PM Sacramento, 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at lei285 but you can travel from only lei284 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 232 miles (374 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 232 miles (374 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price lei285 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 0m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento, CA trip today.
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Excellent art museum known for California art, ceramics, photography, and engaging modern exhibitions in Midtown Sacramento.
State history museum inside the capitol, featuring restored offices, political artifacts, and architecture that defines California government.
Tree-lined central district known for restaurants, shops, murals, nightlife, and easy walking between major Sacramento attractions.
Large riverside park with trails, gardens, ponds, and open lawns, ideal for strolling, picnics, and seeing local wildlife.
Long riverfront path popular for walking and cycling, linking parks and neighborhoods with broad Sacramento River views.
Farm-to-fork seasonal plates built from Sacramento Valley produce. They reflect the city's agricultural identity and restaurant culture more than a single fixed recipe.
A local spin on California cuisine using grilled salmon, asparagus, citrus, and herbs. It highlights nearby river fish and regional produce.
Fresh Delta asparagus, often grilled, roasted, or served in salads. It is a celebrated spring ingredient from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Contemporary fine dining destination focused on seasonal Sacramento ingredients, tasting menus, and polished service.
Beloved local bakery and cafe for breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee with a lively neighborhood feel.
Historic upscale restaurant in Old Sacramento known for steaks, seafood, and classic dining room service in a refined setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels are often pricier than smaller US cities, while casual dining and local transit stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA buses use the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) to Sacramento, Bus Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and Sacramento, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Sacramento, Bus Terminal is 1 km from Sacramento city centre. Public transport options include:
Sacramento, Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shop available
Free with registration. ATMs are multiple ATMs near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal.
Available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need