Is there a way to reach Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo without a car?

Both buses and trains are available for traveling between these two cities. Both are convenient and eco-friendly ways to travel to Santa Cruz. You can also use carpool services and share a car ride with other travelers.

How long does it take to get to Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo by bus?

Traveling from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz takes about 11h on average, but the fastest bus can get you there in about 10h 35m. This is the time it takes to travel the 144 miles (232 km) that separate the two cities.

What is the distance between San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz?

San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz are 144 miles (232 km) apart.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

If you're headed to Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo, chances are that your bus will depart from AMTRAK Station and arrive at Metro Center Bus Station. These are the primary departure and arrival locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

What is the most affordable way to get from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

If you want the cheapest way to travel this route, pick the bus. $21 is the starting point for the cost-effective bus ride to Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo.

What is the ticket price for the bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

The bus ticket costs $97 on average. In the last 30 days, the prices ranged from $21 to $97, so it's good to do your research before booking.

Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

Yes, it is possible to take an overnight bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz. Make sure to pack a blanket and a snack to make your trip more comfortable.

San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz (CA), US Bus Tickets

Compare 2 ways to go from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$21 - $97	Average Duration11h	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars	CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train	Average Price$52 - $86	Average Duration7h 36m	CO₂ emissions 20kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars	Fastest

Busbud recommends taking the train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Santa Cruz. The journey takes about 7 hours 36 minutes and with fares starting at just $52, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day

7h 36mAverage Duration

$52Cheapest ticket

20kgCO₂ emissions

Bus San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$97

Average bus trip duration11h

Number of daily buses2

Earliest bus departure9:00am

Distance140 miles (225 km)

Latest bus departure10:25am

Compare bus companies

Amtrak

4/55,079 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5079 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $21.00

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Tornado Bus, Valley Transit, New York Trailways, Wanda Coach

San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz Bus

Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

Discover how much the bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.

Where are the popular stops in San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz?

Stops in San Luis Obispo

A - AMTRAK Station

B - San Luis Obispo Bus Stop

Stops in Santa Cruz

A - Metro Center Bus Station

Frequently asked questions for your trip San Luis Obispo - Santa Cruz

Is there a way to reach Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo without a car?
How long does it take to get to Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo by bus?
What is the distance between San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?
What is the most affordable way to get from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?
What is the ticket price for the bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?
Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you're bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

Did you know?

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

Did you know there are on average 4,400 intercity bus departures every day in the US only? This number has been growing for 9 years in a row, yay!

Will you be returning to San Luis Obispo by bus?

Bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

You can also go to Santa Cruz by train

Train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

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Bus Tickets from San Luis Obispo, CA to Santa Cruz, CA