The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$71
Average price
$71
Fastest journey
5 h 8 m
Average duration
5 h 8 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
258 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Clara, 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 Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Clara, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Sun, May 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 258 km distance in an average of 5 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 8 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 5 h 8 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.
5:22 PM5h08Santa Clara, CA10:30 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$711One-way0 transfers
5:22 PM5h08Santa Clara, CA10:30 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$711One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, and a train costs an average of $235.
Distance: 160 miles (258 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price Cheapest | $235 Average price | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $164 (€132) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $235 (€189).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 58m.
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.
Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:22PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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.
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Buses from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $71 (€57) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 15:55. The fastest bus covers the 160 miles (258 km) distance in 5h 8m.
Distance 160 miles (258 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 (€57) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 8m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 3:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Bus from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Clara, 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.

- 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.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Most popular bus connections from Santa Clara, CA
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