- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an internationally important collection and frequent blockbuster exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 12
Cheapest price
$106
Average price
$115
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
6 h 8 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
319 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $106.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for San Francisco, CA on Sun, Jul 12, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct buses cover the 319 km distance in an average of 6 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest buses will take 6 h 49 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.
FlixBus1:05 PM4h45San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA5:50 PMSan Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA$1061One-way0 transfers
4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor12:20 PM6h49San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA7:09 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1121One-way1 transfer- 4765 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor2:45 PM6h34San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA9:19 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1121One-way1 transfer
- 4761 AMTRAK · 744 Capitol Corridor12:20 PM5h46San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA6:06 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1121One-way1 transfer
- 4765 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight2:45 PM6h46San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA9:31 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1321One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus1:05 PM4h45San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA5:50 PMSan Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA$1061One-way0 transfers
- 4761 AMTRAK · 744 Capitol Corridor12:20 PM5h46San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA6:06 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1121One-way1 transfer
- 4765 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor2:45 PM6h34San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA9:19 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1121One-way1 transfer
- 4765 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight2:45 PM6h46San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA9:31 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1321One-way1 transfer
- 4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor12:20 PM6h49San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA7:09 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$1121One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $244.
Distance: 198 miles (319 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$67 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price | $402 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 19m Average total duration 6h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $67 (€55).
This is compared to other travel options from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $74 (€61).
A bus is $336 (€276) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $402 (€331).
The fastest way to travel from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 41m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 7m.
Train takes on average 6h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Luis Obispo, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -2h -29m sooner (5h 7m by bus vs 3h 38m by car) and save roughly $-19.32 (€-15.89) compared to fuel and tolls ($67 (€55) vs $47 (€39)). 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 FlixBus.
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 San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:11PM | Duration 6h06 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 07:09PM | Duration 6h49 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 09:19PM | Duration 6h34 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Live departures
San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 4:05 PM San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA | 4h15 | 8:20 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:11, the last at 16:10. The fastest bus covers the 198 miles (319 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 198 miles (319 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 6:11 AM |
Last bus 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 56 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CAYou can travel by bus between San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus for as low as $38 (€31). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 15m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Hands-on science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
- Recommended
de Young Museum
Leading fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park, known for American art, textiles, and its observation tower.
- Must visit
Fisherman's Wharf
Busy waterfront district known for classic San Francisco atmosphere, bay views, piers, and easy access to major sights.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Famous crooked block with steep curves, manicured gardens, and one of the city's most photographed street scenes.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Huge urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking and cycling routes across the western city.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, typically filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco’s famous tangy sourdough loaf, shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture and long baking tradition.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large foil-wrapped burrito associated with the Mission District, usually packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
House of Prime Rib
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-fashioned hospitality and a lively, upscale supper-club feel.
La Taqueria
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a simple, always-busy casual atmosphere.
Swan Oyster Depot
Historic seafood counter famous for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and cioppino ingredients in a classic old-school San Francisco setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high for hotels, dining, parking, and taxes. Budget options exist, but overall costs rank among the highest in the US.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotels: USD 2-5 for porters, USD 3-5 daily for housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $38 (€31) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA is $67 (€55) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA is 4h 15m to travel the 198 miles (319 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:11 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 4:10 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Francisco, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Luis Obispo, CA and San Francisco, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from San Luis Obispo, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Luis Obispo, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither San Luis Obispo, CA nor San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from San Luis Obispo, CA
More options for your journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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