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Cheap coach tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

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San Luis Obispo to San Jose Coach Timetable

Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?

There are usually 5 daily train trips from San Luis Obispo to San Jose.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
£44.52
Avg. Price
£64.39
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
3h 55m
Duration
8h 51m

Coach from San Luis Obispo to San Jose: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity coaches per day from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Traveling by coach from San Luis Obispo to San Jose usually takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway coach can make the trip in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance158 mi (254 km)
Shortest duration2h 50m
Cheapest price£27.03
Trips per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Thruway
Coach lines2

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Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for coaches from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Marcos

24 December 2025- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: Schedule. Cons: Not sure about it. Tips: None.

5.0

Elijah

9 March 2025- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: The bus was on time and easy to check-in and load my bag. It was a very smooth ride and got me to my destination in a timely manner. Cons: The location in San Luis Obispo where I got on the bus had no clear signage or demarkation for the bus ride. I had to ask someone around the area for help.

4.0

Edith

11 October 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Thruway

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.

How much is a coach ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?

Bus tickets for a trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose cost £40.26 on average. Tickets cheaper than £40.26 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly average prices

£56£45£34£23£11AMJJASONDJFM
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, mark your calendar for November. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just £38. However, taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose during March is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of £47. The best way to find deals on a trip in March is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.

Prices as travel date approaches

£56£45£34£23£113020100

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 17 days in advance to save £5.52 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What coach 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. However, each company only runs one bus per day.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway14h 5m£46.24
FlixBus US13h 30m£43.99

  • 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 £44. 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 1 trips per day from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by coach from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

The coach takes an average of 3 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 158 miles from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. However, the fastest coach only takes 2 hours and 50 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 coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

"Because many passengers travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for coaches. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go."

The first coach leaves at 00:00 and the last coach leaves at 10:00. To see the times for all coaches from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are usually only 2 coaches per day from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Both of these are direct coaches, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring coaches 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 £40.56.

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

San Jose, CA - SJC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-2

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 coach leave from in San Luis Obispo?

Main departure station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

Coaches to San Jose leave from 3 stations in San Luis Obispo.

All coach stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

  • San Luis Obispo Bus Station

Where does the coach arrive in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.

Coach stations in San Jose:

  • Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

  • Diridon Station

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in San Jose. Download here

Related reading

Need a return trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo?

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