San Diego, CA, USA to San Luis Obispo, CA, USA from $14: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Diego to San Luis Obispo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$14 by trainBest price
523 kmDistance
3h 33m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego 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.
San Diego - San Luis Obispo operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP)
Average Duration
1h 13mEstimated price
$140-850Website
united.com
Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP)
Average Duration
3h 19mEstimated price
$110-550Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from San Diego to San Luis Obispo
Average Duration
8h 38mEstimated price
$14-140Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Downtown
Average Duration
2h 55mEstimated price
$4870-55Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
Average Duration
4h 35mEstimated price
$4871-4872Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Other from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$0-0Other from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo
Average Duration
5h 15mEstimated price
$0-0San Diego to San Luis Obispo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego 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 Diego to San Luis Obispo, covering a total distance of 325 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of Southern and Central California along the journey.
💰 The cost of driving from San Diego to San Luis Obispo ranges from $55 to $85, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of a car ride for this adventure.
⏱️ With an approximate driving time of 5 hours and 31 minutes, you'll have ample opportunity to make pit stops, explore charming towns en route, and create lasting memories on this memorable road trip.
Average price
$55 - $85
🎟️ The Amtrak train offers convenient services departing twice daily, making it easy to plan your trip to San Luis Obispo. 🌊 The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 38 minutes, allowing you to unwind and experience the beauty of the coastal landscapes.
💸 Ticket prices for the San Diego to San Luis Obispo train range from $14 to $140, providing affordable options for travelers seeking a comfortable and leisurely way to explore the stunning Central Coast region of California.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
San Luis Obispo station
Useful tips for train travellers
• The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner operates the route from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, providing a pleasant onboard experience. Catering services include a café car where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Be sure to check out the seasonal offerings and local wines that may be featured in their menu.
• On the Pacific Surfliner, you have multiple seating options: Coach Class offers comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom, while Business Class provides larger seats with additional amenities such as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and more spacious accommodations. First Class isn't available on this line, but Coach and Business Class are great choices for comfort.
• At the San Luis Obispo station, you can find luggage storage facilities if you wish to explore the area before checking into your accommodation. The station also has restrooms available for use, but there are no shower facilities. After arrival, a convenient way to reach the city center is by taking the SLO Transit Bus #12, which runs regularly and takes about 10 minutes to get to downtown.
🛫 Flying from San Diego to San Luis Obispo is a breeze with a quick direct flight that takes just 1 hour and 13 minutes. Alaska Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines are the carriers offering flights on this route.
🌴 Enjoy the convenience of reaching San Luis Obispo from San Diego in just 3 hours and 33 minutes by plane. Take in scenic views and relax onboard as you head to your destination.
💸 Prices for flights between San Luis Obispo and San Diego can range from $112 to $487, depending on the airline and time of booking. Plan ahead to find the best deals for your trip.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book early morning flights with Alaska Airlines or United Airlines for the best rates; prices can range from $112 to $487 depending on the time of booking and season.
• Upon arrival at San Luis Obispo County Airport, expect a compact terminal; grab your bags and head straight to the ground transportation area for quick access to taxis or rideshares.
• For transportation from the airport to downtown San Luis Obispo, budget approximately $30 to $40 for a taxi ride; consider checking local transport schedules on the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority's website for alternatives: slorta.org
🚌 Unfortunately, there is no direct bus from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Travelers will need to take a route that includes transfers in Los Angeles Union Station. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.
🌉 Route 1 involves 2 transfers and takes around 9 hours and 43 minutes to reach San Luis Obispo from San Diego. The first step is a bus towards Los Angeles with Greyhound, followed by a bus towards San Francisco, also with Greyhound. The final leg of the journey is a bus towards Government Center with SoCo Transit.
🎫 The prices of a bus ticket between San Luis Obispo and San Diego can vary from $30 to $121. Travelers can contact Greyhound for more information on the specific routes and schedules for this trip.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
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The distance between San Diego and San Luis Obispo is approximately 432.9 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train, it takes approximately 8 hours and 38 minutes to reach San Luis Obispo from San Diego. By combining a train and a plane, the travel time is reduced to about 7 hours and 4 minutes. The shortest travel time is by plane, taking about 3 hours and 31 minutes. By car, the journey from San Luis Obispo to San Diego takes around 5 hours and 31 minutes, and by bus, it takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Diego to San Luis Obispo is by train, with prices ranging from $14 to $140. Although it takes longer, at 8 hours and 38 minutes, it is the most affordable choice. However, for those looking for a faster option, flying is the best choice, taking only 3 hours and 31 minutes, with prices ranging from $110 to $350.
The prices for a train journey between San Diego and San Luis Obispo can range from $14 to $140, depending on the type of ticket and class chosen. For those considering a bus trip, prices can vary between $30 and $121.
To travel from San Diego to San Luis Obispo without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is 523.0 km, and the journey typically takes around 5 hours and 31 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost of a car rental or using your own vehicle can vary from $55 to $85.
To travel from San Diego to San Luis Obispo without a car, you have a few options. The most convenient and fastest way is by flying, which takes approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 8 hours and 30 minutes. Lastly, you can take a train, which takes about 8 hours and 38 minutes. The prices for these modes of transportation vary, with flights costing around $110-$350, buses ranging from $30-$130, and trains costing between $14-$140.
Yes, there is a direct train link between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. The train service operated by Amtrak departs twice daily and takes approximately 8 hours and 38 minutes to reach San Luis Obispo. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities, and the journey by bus with transfers takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight duration between San Diego and San Luis Obispo is typically 1 hour and 14 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $112 to $347.
There are 213+ hotels available in San Luis Obispo offering a wide range of options for accommodation. Prices start at $45, making it possible to find a place to stay within different budget ranges.