4.0
Pros: The bus driver was friendly. The rides were all on time if not early. It was nice stopping at the resting point both ways. Cons: Better air flow with the overhead blowers.
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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from San Luis Obispo to Salinas. Traveling by bus from San Luis Obispo to Salinas usually takes around 2 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 111 mi (179 km) |
| Shortest duration | 2h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $20.99 |
| Trips per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from San Luis Obispo to Salinas
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
How much is a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to Salinas?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Luis Obispo to Salinas cost $37.87 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly avg. prices
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to Salinas, mark your calendar for May. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just $29. However, taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to Salinas during March is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of $44. 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
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 12 days in advance to save up to $4.82.
What bus companies travel from San Luis Obispo to Salinas?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Luis Obispo to Salinas that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 2h 50m | $49.00 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 2h 36m | $43.14 |
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 Salinas start at $49. 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 3 trips per day from San Luis Obispo to Salinas, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 2 hours and 39 minutes to cover the 111 miles from San Luis Obispo to Salinas. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 5 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 Salinas 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
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 Salinas, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from San Luis Obispo to Salinas 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 Salinas; ticket prices start at $27.00.
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.
Salinas
Image credit: Unsplash
Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.
For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.
If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Buses to Salinas 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 Salinas?
Main arrival station: 11 Station Pl
All buses from San Luis Obispo arrive at one main station in Salinas.
All bus stations in Salinas:
11 Station Pl
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