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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria. Traveling by bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria usually takes around one hour, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 35 minutes.
| Distance | 26 mi (42 km) |
| Shortest duration | 0h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $15.70 |
| Trips per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 0h 55m | $24.59 |
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1h 2m | $23.53 |
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 Santa Maria start at $25. 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 4 trips per day from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of one hour to cover the 42 kilometers from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria. However, the fastest bus only takes 35 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus trip. 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.
"Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Santa Maria. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 4:00pm and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 6 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 Santa Maria; ticket prices start at $24.59.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Buses to Santa Maria leave from 3 stations in San Luis Obispo.
All bus stations in San Luis Obispo:
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Santa Maria?
Main arrival station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
All buses from San Luis Obispo arrive at one main station in Santa Maria.
Bus stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
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Need a return trip from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo?
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