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 train, with an average ticket price of $63 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 4h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $63, while a bus costs an average of $96.
Distance: 160 miles (258 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest | $40 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 train is $33 (€27) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $96 (€78).
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 $70 |
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.
Aug 29
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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 $96 (€78) but you can travel from only $63 (€51) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 15:55. The fastest bus covers the 160 miles (258 km) distance in 4h 38m.
Distance 160 miles (258 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€78) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 38m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 3:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
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 Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Clara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which San Luis Obispo, CA station do buses from Santa Clara, CA arrive at?
Getting to San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum) from San Luis Obispo city centre
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) bus station facilities and services
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 and ATMs
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).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum): Basic accessibility features available.
Most popular bus connections from Santa Clara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Clara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
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