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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 6 hours and 12 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 | CA$36.36 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco cost CA$37.05 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 average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CA$31.12 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. FlixBus US 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.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 6h 13m | CA$60.33 |
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
The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 12 minutes to cover the 198 miles from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 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 Francisco. 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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday 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 10:00am 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 CA$56.28.
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
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