- 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
€69
Average price
€74
Fastest journey
10 h 15 m
Average duration
10 h 57 m
Buses per day
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 €74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €69.
It's difficult to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
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Omio 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 train with prices starting from €50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €50, and a flight costs an average of €95.
Distance: 267 miles (431 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€74 Average price | €55 Average price Cheapest | €238 Average price | €57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 25m Average total duration 7h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration 8h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 19m 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 San Diego, CA:
A train is €19 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €74.
A train is €183 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average €238.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 55m.
Train takes on average 8h 44m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €43 |
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:00 PM San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA | 10h15 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:00 PM San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA | 10h45 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 12:00 PM San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA | 11h50 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), 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 11 times per day, taking around 7h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €43 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 9h 20m.
Distance 267 miles (431 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price €43 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 9h 20m |
First bus 3:45 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
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, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). 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, 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, 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, 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.
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