- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
Major rail museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on how rail shaped California and the American West.
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
11 h 37 m
Average duration
11 h 37 m
Buses per day
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 $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 2 buses that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for Sacramento, CA on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 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, Jun 20 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 bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $222.
Distance: 232 miles (374 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$62 Average price Cheapest | $145 Average price | $503 Average price | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 47m Average total duration 7h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 7m Average total duration 8h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A bus is $83 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $145 (€119).
A bus is $441 (€361) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $503 (€412).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 17m.
Train takes on average 8h 37m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 10:12AM | Duration 9h42 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 07:07PM | Duration 11h37 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 05:56PM | Duration 7h51 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:49PM | Duration 9h04 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $157 |
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4761 AMTRAK · 550 Capitol Corridor | 12:20 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 9h45 | 10:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
4761 AMTRAK · 544 Capitol Corridor | 12:20 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 8h21 | 8:41 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
4765 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:45 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 9h04 | 11:49 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 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 | |
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 10 times per day, taking around 7h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:20. The fastest bus covers the 232 miles (374 km) distance in 7h 51m.
Distance 232 miles (374 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 7h 51m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
Major rail museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on how rail shaped California and the American West.
The oldest art museum west of the Mississippi, known for California art, European works, ceramics, and a strong rotating exhibition program.
Museum inside the historic State Capitol featuring restored rooms, political history exhibits, and insights into California government.
The city’s most visited historic district, popular for boardwalk-style streets, river views, museums, and Gold Rush atmosphere.
Lively central district known for murals, boutiques, nightlife, and walkable blocks that are especially popular with younger visitors.
Long scenic parkway with trails, river access, and cycling and walking routes that showcase Sacramento’s outdoors side.
Sacramento is known as the Farm-To-Fork Capital, and seasonal plates built around Central Valley produce are a signature local dining experience.
Asparagus from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a regional specialty, often grilled, roasted, or served simply during spring harvest season.
This tomato-based seafood stew is a Northern California classic commonly found in Sacramento restaurants, reflecting the region’s strong connection to California coastal cooking.
A celebrated fine-dining destination known for an interactive tasting menu, polished service, and one of Sacramento’s most famous special-occasion experiences.
A long-established Farm-To-Fork favorite serving seasonal California cuisine in a warm, upscale setting inside a historic firehouse.
A popular local favorite for casual California fare, sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Dining and coffee are manageable, but hotels and upscale meals can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Counter-service tips are optional.
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.

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