5.0
Pros: Safe & Timely. Cons: Restroom can be a little better/cleaner! Tips: Will recommend to others if traveling the same way….
Cheap bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$42.98 | Avg. Price$82.55 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration4h 19m | Duration8h 27m |
Bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco usually takes around 4 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 198 mi (319 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $14.00 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Price trends for buses from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco
Average bus ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco by month
Prices as travel date approaches
What bus companies travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 2 | 5h 10m | $32.00 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 4h 20m | $53.39 |
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 Francisco start at $14. On average, there are 2 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 Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 198 miles from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 20 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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.
Because many passengers travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
There is usually only one bus per day from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. It leaves the station in San Luis Obispo at 12:00am 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 San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco; ticket prices start at $14.00.
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.
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: San Luis Obispo Bus Station
Buses to San Francisco leave from 3 stations in San Luis Obispo.
All bus stations in San Luis Obispo:
San Luis Obispo Bus Station
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
1011 Railroad Ave
Where does the bus arrive in San Francisco?
Main arrival station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in San Francisco.
All bus stations in San Francisco:
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
San Francisco, California
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