Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $62 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 36m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $62, while a train costs an average of $84.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $84.
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 45m.
Tickets start at around $84 compared to roughly $46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-37.98. The journey takes 6h 15m versus 3h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Travel optionsfrom Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
How to get from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
5:45 PM4h50Oakland, CA10:35 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$731One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
5:45 PM4h50Oakland, CA10:35 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$731One-way0 transfers
Fastest
5:45 PM4h50Oakland, CA10:35 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$731One-way0 transfers
Other options
4:20 PM6h10Oakland, CA10:30 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$861One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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.
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FAQs: Travel from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Travel to San Luis Obispo, CA easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.

This is compared to other travel options from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $84.
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 45m.
- Around 8 trains per day.
- Around 6 buses per day.
- Around 5 flights per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Oakland, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Flights mostly depart from Oakland International Airport and arrive in San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.
- Trains mostly depart from Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA and arrive in San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA.
- Buses mostly depart from Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA and arrive in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara Ave / High St (San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum), CA.
- Travel with Amtrak to go to San Luis Obispo, CA by train.
- Travel with FlixBus to go to San Luis Obispo, CA by bus.
- 1 direct trains per day with Amtrak.
- 1 direct buses per day with FlixBus.
Travelling from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA: related information
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