4.0
Pros: No to have to drive. Cons: If there are more train trsnsportation available. It isconvenient to be able to walk and strech the legs. Tips: Easy and secure way to travel.
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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Traveling by bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose usually takes around 3 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 158 mi (254 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $39.33 |
| Trips per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for buses from San Luis Obispo to San Jose
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
4.3
How much is a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?
$42.78 is the average price of a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, mark your calendar for May. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just $55. However, taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose during August is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of $76. The best way to find deals on a trip in August is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 27 days in advance to save $33.17 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Luis Obispo to San Jose that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 4h 6m | $80.06 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 3h 51m | $73.61 |
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Jose start at $80. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 53 minutes to cover the 254 kilometers from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from San Luis Obispo to San Jose for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to San Jose, book your ticket for the last day of the week."
The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00am. To see the times for all buses from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose; ticket prices start at $38.65.
City Information
San Luis Obispo
San Luis is a remarkable city known for accommodating travelers with different intents - those looking for nightlife, a laid-back experience, or a healthy mix of both. It is also known for its outstanding farmers' market with some of the best fruits and veggies in all of California. The historic Spanish Mission, art galleries, museums, wine, craft beer tasting room, and great restaurants can provide any type of fun you're looking for in the Sunshine State.
Want a truly unique experience? Swing by Bubblegum Alley, with walls lined with chewed bubblegum. Leave some yourself to make your mark! Or, for more traditional art, visit the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, with galleries displaying work by contemporary California artists.
SLO has two major bus and train stations in San Luis - 1011 Railroad Ave and Grand Avenue, Building 113. FlixBus and Amtrak Thruway buses both service the town for bus transport, and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight provide train options. There is also a county airport that lets you fly in from wherever you are in the world and is located just two miles from the main city.
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1011 Railroad Ave
Buses to San Jose leave from 3 stations in San Luis Obispo.
All bus stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
San Luis Obispo Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?
Main arrival station: Diridon Station
Buses arrive in San Jose at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in San Jose:
Diridon Station
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Get around town with Moovit
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Need a return trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo?
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