San Luis Obispo, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $8: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Luis Obispo to San Jose: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$8 by trainBest price
256 kmDistance
3h 11m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose 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 Luis Obispo - San Jose operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Luis Obispo and San Jose, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose
Average Duration
3h 55mEstimated price
$17-65Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com
Bus from San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum to San Jose Downtown
Average Duration
3h 15mEstimated price
$17-65Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose
Average Duration
4h 41mEstimated price
$8-110Website
http://alaskaair.com
Plane from San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
1h 17mEstimated price
$173-174Website
http://aa.com
Plane from San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
4h 28mEstimated price
$170-650Website
http://united.com
Plane from San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 17mEstimated price
$175-176San Luis Obispo to San Jose: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Luis Obispo and San Jose 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 journey covering 187 miles from San Luis Obispo to San Jose by car, with an estimated travel time of 3 hours and 11 minutes. Enjoy the changing landscapes along the California coast as you drive northward.
💸 Budget-friendly options to travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose by car range from $30 to $50, offering flexibility for different preferences and travel styles. Consider factors such as gas prices and toll fees when planning your budget for the trip.
Average price
$30 - $50
🚆 Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose is a convenient option with direct services twice daily. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 41 minutes, offering a comfortable and scenic way to reach your destination.
💰 Ticket prices for the train between San Luis Obispo and San Jose can range from $8 to $110, providing affordable transportation options for those looking to explore the Central Coast and Silicon Valley regions. Whether for business or leisure, taking the train offers an enjoyable and cost-effective way to travel between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
San Luis Obispo station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Check out Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service for your trip. They offer a café car with a range of snacks and beverages including coffee, sandwiches, and light meals. You can also pre-purchase a meal for your journey if you prefer to have something more substantial. Note that food service may vary, so it's a good idea to check the specific schedule.
• On the Pacific Surfliner, you have multiple seating options: Coach Class (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class offers standard seats with some reclining features, while Business Class provides larger seats and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. First Class has the best experience with enhanced legroom, dining options, and more spacious accommodations.
• The main operators for the San Luis Obispo to San Jose route include Amtrak (amtrak.com) and possibly regional services like the Caltrans (caltrans.gov), which you can check for any bus connections. Don't forget to look into the schedule for the Pacific Surfliner and any connections to maximize your trip.
🛫 Flying from San Luis Obispo to San Jose typically involves a quick direct flight to San Francisco Airport that lasts around 1 hour and 17 minutes with United Airlines.
🌉 After arriving in San Francisco, travelers can expect a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes to reach San Jose by plane.
💸 Flight prices for this route can range from $202 to $954, offering travelers flexibility in choosing the best option for their budget and schedule.
Departure Point
San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose by bus is convenient with services departing every two hours and a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes.
🗺️ The bus route covers a distance of 163 miles and typically takes around 4 hours from start to finish. Passengers will board an Amtrak Chartered Motorcoach towards Oakland, with a transfer to a San Francisco Shuttle before reaching San Jose.
💰 Bus ticket prices for this route can vary between $17 to $65, offering a cost-effective way to travel between these two Californian cities. For more information and booking, the Amtrak website provides details on their Thruway Connecting Services for increased travel options.
Departure Point
San Luis Obispo station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• To get the best fares for your bus trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, book your tickets online through Amtrak's official website at amtrak.com and check both standard and chartered options for potential savings.
• As you approach San Jose, be prepared for fluctuations in temperature and consider layering clothing, as coastal areas around San Luis Obispo can be cooler, while San Jose tends to be warmer and more inland.
• Upon arrival at San Jose station, utilize the nearby VTA light rail and bus services for easy transfers; visit their website at vta.org for schedules and maps to navigate your onward journey effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Luis Obispo to San Jose.
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The distance between San Luis Obispo and San Jose is approximately 256 km by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes roughly 4 hours and 41 minutes to travel by train, 4 hours and 10 minutes by combining a flight and Caltrain, 3 hours and 11 minutes by car, and 3 hours and 50 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Luis Obispo to San Jose is by bus, with prices ranging from $17 to $65. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving would be the quickest option, taking around 3 hours and 11 minutes.
The prices for traveling from San Luis Obispo to San Jose vary depending on the mode of transportation. For the train, ticket prices range from $8 to $110. If taking the bus, prices can range from $17 to $65.
To travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 301 km, which takes around 3 hours and 11 minutes. The cost of this option typically ranges from $30 to $50, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The most convenient way to travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose without a car is by bus. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, with tickets costing between $17 and $65. Another option is to take a train, which takes 4 hours and 41 minutes but may be a bit more expensive.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Luis Obispo and San Jose. One option is to take a train operated by Amtrak, which departs twice daily and takes approximately 4 hours and 41 minutes. Another option is to take a direct bus operated by Amtrak, which runs every three hours and has a travel time of around 3 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight between San Luis Obispo and San Jose typically takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes. This is the shortest and most convenient option for travel between the two cities. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, but on average, you can expect to pay around $200 to $300 for a round trip ticket.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in San Jose, with over 684 hotels to choose from. Prices start as low as $49, allowing for a range of budget-friendly options.