Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $70. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, and a train costs an average of $110.
Distance: 160 miles (258 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price Cheapest | $139 Average price | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 11m Average total duration 9h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA costing on average $139 (€114).
Other travel options to Santa Clara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 41m.
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.
San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 01:24PM | Duration 5h44 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:57AM | Duration 4h27 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Compare prices and tickets San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA
Buses from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $70 (€57) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 14:55. The fastest bus covers the 160 miles (258 km) distance in 4h 27m.
Distance 160 miles (258 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€57) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 4h 27m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 2:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 70 days |
FAQs: Bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA
Most San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA buses use the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and Santa Clara, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) from San Luis Obispo city centre
Most popular bus connections from San Luis Obispo, CA
More options for your journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Clara, CA
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