Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA bus with FlixBus

Fri, Jul 03
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Showing times and prices for Jul 03

Cheapest price

$45

Average price

$45

Fastest journey

3 h 26 m

Average duration

3 h 26 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

130 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA without transferring at least once.

  • Amtrak770 Pacific Surfliner · 6238 AMTRAK
    6:39 AM3h26
    Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
    10:05 AMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
    $451One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $31.

Distance: 80 miles (130 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$35

Average price

Cheapest

$37

Average price

$19

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 16m

Average total duration

2h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 35m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is a bus with an average price of $35 (€29).

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:

A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $37 (€31).

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 16m.

Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 46m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about -1h -41m sooner (2h 16m by bus vs 1h 35m by car) and save roughly $-16.53 (€-13.56) compared to fuel and tolls ($35 (€29) vs $19 (€15)). 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.

Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
06:39AM
Arrival Time
10:05AM
Duration
3h26
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
04:00PM
Duration
2h15
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:15PM
Arrival Time
07:55PM
Duration
1h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
08:25PM
Duration
1h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Sun
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:45PM
Arrival Time
09:25PM
Duration
1h40
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:45PM
Arrival Time
11:00PM
Duration
2h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$34

Live departures

Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses for tomorrow, Friday, July 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak770 Pacific Surfliner · 6238 AMTRAK6:39 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
3h26
10:05 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Fri
Jul 03
Sat
Jul 04
Sun
Jul 05
Mon
Jul 06
Tue
Jul 07
Wed
Jul 08
Thu
Jul 09

Why should you book Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses with Omio?

FlixBus operates all buses services from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:39, the last at 19:25. The fastest bus covers the 80 miles (130 km) distance in 1h 40m.

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
80 miles (130 km)
Average bus duration
2h 16m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€16)
Buses per day
2
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
1h 40m
First bus
6:39 AM
Last bus
7:25 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
3 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with FlixBus for as low as $19 (€16). 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
1h 40m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€16)
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.
Learn more about FlixBus

FAQs: Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA can start from as little as $19 (€16) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is $35 (€29) ; 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is 1h 40m to travel the 80 miles (130 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA leaves at 6:39 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA leaves at 7:25 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to San Luis Obispo, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to San Luis Obispo, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Luis Obispo, CA are:
  • Bubblegum Alley, a narrow alleyway famous for its walls covered in layers of chewed gum left by visitors
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, a historic Spanish mission founded in 1772 with a museum and beautiful gardens
  • Bishop Peak, a popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes
  • San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum showcasing works by regional and national artists
  • Avila Beach, a nearby coastal spot known for its sandy shores and scenic pier.
The best things to do in San Luis Obispo, CA include:
  • Stroll through Downtown SLO, a vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and the famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market
  • Attend a performance at the Fremont Theater, a historic venue known for its art deco architecture and live events
  • Visit the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, offering interactive exhibits and activities for kids
  • Explore the local wineries and vineyards, enjoying tastings and tours in the Edna Valley wine region
  • Discover the natural beauty of Montana de Oro State Park, with its rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and scenic hiking trails.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor San Luis Obispo, 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include overcharging by taxis and occasional fake charity solicitations. It is advisable to avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles and to use reputable transportation services. Overall, the city is considered relatively safe, but staying alert to personal belongings and using common sense helps ensure a secure visit.
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.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses use the Santa Barbara, Bus station to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Santa Barbara
Arrival bus stations in San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara, Bus station
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Barbara, Bus station from Santa Barbara city centre

Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min

More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

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