Cheap bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Jose
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Bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Traveling by bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose usually takes around 3 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 158 mi (254 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $31.98 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Thruway |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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San Luis Obispo to San Jose Bus Schedule
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There are several bus options that can take you from San Luis Obispo to San Jose:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose cost $67.33 on average. Consider it a bargain when you can snag tickets for less than $67.33. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to San Jose by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $39 to $85. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to San Jose this week, bus tickets are available starting at $69.
Average bus ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to San Jose by month
Taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $60. If you're planning to take the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $69. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
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 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $35.40 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus 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.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 4h 5m | $84.59 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 3h 30m | $66.48 |
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 $80. 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 $66.48.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose
There are usually only 2 buses per day from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses 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 $53.
Trips per day
2
Direct trips
2
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 53 minutes to cover the 158 miles from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 30 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.
Distance (mi)
158
Distance (km)
254
The first bus leaves at 12:30am and the last bus leaves at 4:35pm. To see the times for all buses from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
12:30am
Latest bus
4:35pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to San Jose at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
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 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 bus leave from in San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1011 Railroad Ave
Buses to San Jose leave from 3 stations in San Luis Obispo.
All bus stations in San Luis Obispo:
- 1011 Railroad Ave
- 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
- San Luis Obispo Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?
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.
All bus stations in San Jose:
- Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
- Diridon Station
Need a return trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo?
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