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Santa Maria - San Luis Obispo Bus Schedule
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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by bus from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo usually takes around 54 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 35 minutes.
| Distance | 26 mi (42 km) |
| Shortest duration | 0h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $11.49 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo?
Bus tickets for a trip from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo cost $14.87 on average. This is an excellent value for the 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
What bus companies travel from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo 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 | 2 | 0h 59m | $18.00 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 0h 53m | $16.10 |
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 Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo start at $18. 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 3 trips per day from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 54 minutes to cover the 26 miles from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo. However, the fastest bus only takes 35 minutes. It's a short trip that goes by very quickly. 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus 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, 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.
The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 9:00am. To see the times for all buses from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 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 Santa Maria to San Luis Obispo; ticket prices start at $18.00.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Santa Maria?
Main departure station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
Most buses depart from the main station in Santa Maria.
All bus stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
Buses arrive in San Luis Obispo at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
San Luis Obispo Bus Station
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