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Cheap bus tickets from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo

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Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$62.00
Avg. Price
$64.11
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
8h 27m
Duration
5h 39m

Bus from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo: Journey Information

There is one daily bus from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by bus from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo usually takes around 8 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance93 mi (149 km)
Shortest duration8h 20m
Cheapest price$62.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Thruway
Bus lines1

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Price trends for buses from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

What bus companies travel from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo. Amtrak Thruway is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway18h 28m$62.00
  • 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 Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo start at $62. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo

The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 28 minutes to cover the 93 miles from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road 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 San Luis Obispo. 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.

There is usually only one bus per day from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo. It leaves the station in Bakersfield at 4:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.

There is usually only one bus per day from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Bakersfield to San Luis Obispo; ticket prices start at $60.00.

City Information

Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.

As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.

On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.

To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.

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 Bakersfield?

Main departure station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Most buses depart from the main station in Bakersfield.

All bus stations in Bakersfield:

  • 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Where does the bus arrive in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in San Luis Obispo.

All bus stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

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