- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
kr1655
Average ticket price on Sep 19
kr1680
Fastest journey on Sep 19
7 h 42 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
8 h 7 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
431 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around kr1680 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr1655.
It's difficult to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
6299 · 786
6299 · 786
6299 · 786
6299 · 786
6299 · 786
6299 · 786Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of kr673 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 bus costs an average of kr673, while a flight costs an average of kr6652.
Distance: 267 miles (431 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr673 Average price Cheapest | kr811 Average price | kr6652 Average price | kr663 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 6m Average total duration 8h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 19m 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 San Diego, CA:
A bus is kr137 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average kr811.
A bus is kr5979 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average kr6652.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 2m.
Train takes on average 8h 36m.
Tickets start at around kr673 compared to roughly kr663 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-10.71. The journey takes 8h 2m versus 5h 19m 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 10:45AM | Arrival Time 07:07PM | Duration 8h22 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr1720 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:52PM | Duration 7h22 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price kr1655 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price kr328 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:07PM | Duration 8h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr1719 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:07PM | Duration 7h57 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price kr1655 |
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6299 · 786 | 12:25 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 8h42 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
6299 · 786 | 1:10 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h42 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
6299 · 786 | 1:10 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 7h57 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 San Diego, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr282 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 7h 40m.
Distance 267 miles (431 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price kr282 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 40m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, 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 Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) to San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and San Diego, 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.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
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) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need