San Clemente, CA, USA to San Luis Obispo, CA, USA from $120: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$120 by trainBest price

349 kmDistance

4h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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San Clemente - San Luis Obispo operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Clemente and San Luis Obispo, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train

Contact phone

(800) 371-LINK (5465)

Website

https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from San Clemente station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

$12-128

Train from San Clemente Pier Amtrak to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$70-70

Train from L. A. Union Station station to San Luis Obispo

Average Duration

5h 26m

Estimated price

$120-200

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Clemente Pier Amtrak to L. A. Union Station

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

$12-128

Train from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo

Average Duration

5h 26m

Estimated price

$27-120

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

1h 45m

Estimated price

$27-27

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum

Average Duration

4h 35m

Estimated price

$70-70

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration

1h 40m

Estimated price

$12-128

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum

Average Duration

4h 35m

Estimated price

$70-70

Plane

Website

united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP)

Average Duration

3h 19m

Estimated price

$122-123

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP)

Average Duration

1h 4m

Estimated price

$1200-124

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP)

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$127-700

San Clemente to San Luis Obispo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Clemente and San Luis Obispo offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo, covering a distance of 266 miles across the beautiful California coastline. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of budget-friendly options, with car travel costs typically ranging from $45 to $70 for the journey between these two charming coastal cities. 🌊 Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and attractions along the way, as you make lasting memories on this enjoyable 4-hour and 31-minute drive to San Luis Obispo.

Average price

$45 - $70

🚊 The total journey time by train, including transfers, is approximately 8 hours and 6 minutes. Travelers can relax and enjoy the scenic route from Southern California to the Central Coast on this picturesque train ride. 💸 Fares for the train from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo range from $12 to $179, depending on the type of ticket purchased and the availability of discounts.

Departure Point

San Clemente Pier Amtrak station

Arrival Point

San Luis Obispo station

🛫 Your journey from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo will begin with a quick and convenient flight from San Diego Airport. The direct flight typically takes just 1 hour and 13 minutes with options from airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines.

Departure Point

San Diego Airport

Arrival Point

San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport

🚌 While there is no direct bus from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo, travelers can take a route with transfers. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 10 hours and 19 minutes. 🚌 Starting from Calle De Los Molinos-Avd Pico, travelers will make stops at Laguna Hills Trans Ctr Dock 5, Santa Ana Bus Stop, and Los Angeles Union Station before reaching San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum. Greyhound USA and Flixbus USA operate the bus services along this route. 🚌 Tickets for the bus between San Luis Obispo and San Clemente generally range from $27 to $114.

Departure Point

Santa Ana Bus Stop station

Arrival Point

San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo.

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The distance between San Clemente and San Luis Obispo is 217 miles, with a road distance of 265.6 miles. Traveling by train from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo takes approximately 8 hours and 6 minutes, while combining train and bus can take 7 hours and 59 minutes. Driving by car from San Luis Obispo to San Clemente typically takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes, while taking a bus in the opposite direction could take about 10 hours and 19 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo is by train, with prices ranging from $11 to $180 and a travel time of 8 hours and 6 minutes. However, for a more time-efficient journey, driving is the fastest option, taking approximately 4 hours and 31 minutes at a cost of $45 to $70. If you prioritize speed, driving would be the recommended choice, while those looking to save money may opt for the train.

The prices for a train ticket between San Clemente and San Luis Obispo range from $12 to $179, depending on the class of service and availability. On the other hand, bus fares between the two cities vary from $27 to $114, with options for different amenities and seating choices. Travelers can choose the mode of transportation that best fits their budget and preferences when making the journey between San Clemente and San Luis Obispo.

To travel from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo without using public transportation, the most convenient option would be to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 266 miles, and it takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes to drive. Costs for the trip by car typically range from $45 to $70, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.

To travel from San Clemente to San Luis Obispo without a car, the best way is to take a combination of train and bus. This journey takes approximately 7 hours and 59 minutes and offers a scenic and convenient way to reach your destination. This option allows you to relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of driving, making for a pleasant travel experience between these two locations.

There is no direct train or bus link between San Clemente and San Luis Obispo. Travelers can take a train from San Clemente Pier Amtrak to Los Angeles and then transfer to another train that goes to San Luis Obispo, taking approximately 8 hours and 6 minutes. Alternatively, they can opt for a bus journey that includes transfers and runs for about 10 hours and 19 minutes, with stops at Laguna Hills Trans Ctr Dock 5, Santa Ana, and Los Angeles Union Station along the way. While there is no direct connection, these transportation options provide a way to reach San Luis Obispo from San Clemente.

The quickest direct flight from San Diego Airport to San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport takes approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes. The typical cost of this flight can range from $150 to $300, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability of deals or discounts. It is recommended to check with airlines for current prices and any potential promotions to find the best deal for your travel dates.

There are over 232 hotels available in San Luis Obispo, providing a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Prices for these hotels start at $45 per night, making it affordable for travelers with different spending limits. Visitors can choose from a variety of lodging choices, including luxury resorts, cozy bed and breakfasts, and budget-friendly motels, ensuring there is something for everyone in the area.