How to travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco

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2 ways to go from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco

Bus
Average PriceUS$16 - US$94Average Duration4h 20m
8kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestFastestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average PriceUS$108 - US$108Average Duration7h 40m
29kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach San Francisco. The journey takes about 4 hours 20 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$16, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day
4h 20mAverage Duration
US$16Cheapest ticket
8kgCO₂ emissions
TodayMar 15
from US$52
TomorrowMar 16
from US$82
MonMar 17
from US$89
TueMar 18
WedMar 19
ThuMar 20
FriMar 21
from US$93
SatMar 22
from US$93

Next departures to San Francisco

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: March 16 at
    Departure city: San Luis Obispo
    Departure location: San Luis Obispo
    Arrival time: March 16 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: 409 Townsend St, SF
    Operated by: FlixBusFlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: March 16 at
    Departure city: San Luis Obispo
    Departure location: AMTRAK Station
    Arrival time: March 16 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: Mission St & Fremont St
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: March 16 at
    Departure city: San Luis Obispo
    Departure location: AMTRAK Station
    Arrival time: March 16 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: Mission St & Fremont St
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: March 16 at
    Departure city: San Luis Obispo
    Departure location: Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex
    Arrival time: March 16 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: Mission St & Fremont St
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: March 16 at
    Departure city: San Luis Obispo
    Departure location: AMTRAK Station
    Arrival time: March 16 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: Mission St & Fremont St
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

Last refresh of the prices: Last Monday at 6:25 PM PDT.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Accepted payments

  • Visa
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  • American Express
  • China Union Pay
  • Diners Club Canada
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From San Luis Obispo to San Francisco: Trip Overview

Travel the 198 miles (319 km) from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco is US$81.

Average ticket priceUS$81
Average bus trip duration6h
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure12:30am
Distance198 miles (319 km)
Latest departure4:35pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - US$16
Fastest mode of travelBus - 4h 20m

Helpful information to go from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco

Whether you're a budget traveller or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco for an average of US$53 and a travel time of 5 hours 1 minute. Amtrak, FlixBus offer tickets starting at US$16.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco. The trip typically takes 7 hours 40 minutes, with ticket prices starting at US$108. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like AMTRAK Station, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco is sometimes an option travellers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs US$16, and the average price is US$53. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco?

    If you're pressed for time, the bus reigns supreme, taking you from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco in roughly 4h 20m.

  3. How do I travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?

    The average travel time between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco is around 4h 20m, although the fastest bus will take about 4h 20m.This is the time it takes to travel the 319 km that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?

    When taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak, FlixBus.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco?

    The number of buses from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?

    Buses travelling between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco leave from AMTRAK Station or San Luis Obispo Bus Stop and arrive at Hyde/Beach (Fisherman's Wharf), Powell Station, Union Square Hilton.

  8. How long is the trip from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?

    A train trip between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco is around 7h 40m, although the fastest train will take about 7h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 319 km that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco?

    The number of trains from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?

    Trains travelling between San Luis Obispo and San Francisco leave from AMTRAK Station or San Luis Obispo Bus Stop and arrive at Hyde/Beach (Fisherman's Wharf), Powell Station, Union Square Hilton.

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Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco

Buses from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo

Go by train

Trains from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco

Popular routes