Santa Barbara, CA, USA to San Luis Obispo, CA, USA from $5: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$5 by trainBest price
171 kmDistance
1h 50m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara 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.
Santa Barbara - San Luis Obispo operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, 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 Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo
Average Duration
2h 10mEstimated price
$11-50Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com
Bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum
Average Duration
2h 10mEstimated price
$11-50Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo
Average Duration
2h 41mEstimated price
$5-85Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Barbara 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 picturesque journey from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, covering a distance of 106 miles in just under 2 hours of driving time. Enjoy scenic coastal views along the way as you cruise northward.
💸 The cost of traveling by car from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo ranges from $19 to $28, making it an affordable and convenient option for exploring the Central Coast of California. Take advantage of the flexibility and freedom that comes with a self-drive road trip.
Average price
$19 - $28
🌊 Enjoy a relaxing ride as you traverse the 119-mile distance between the two coastal cities in just 2 hours and 41 minutes. Sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful coastal views along the way.
🎫 Tickets for the Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo train route range from $5 to $85, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Experience a hassle-free and comfortable trip while exploring the Central Coast by rail.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
San Luis Obispo station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard services for the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which operates the route from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, include a café car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. They offer a selection of local wines and craft beers, making for a pleasant dining experience as you enjoy the scenic views along the way.
On the Pacific Surfliner, you can choose from several seating options: Standard Coach Class for budget-friendly travel, Business Class for enhanced comfort with extra legroom and complimentary beverages, and First Class (on select trains) which offers premium amenities. Be sure to reserve your seats in advance, especially for Business and First Class, as they can fill up quickly on weekends.
When you arrive at the San Luis Obispo Amtrak station, you can find luggage storage options at nearby services or at the station if available. Additionally, the station has restrooms for your convenience, but showers are not typically provided. Keep an eye out for the local bus routes; the fastest way to reach the city center from the station is via the SLO Transit bus #10, which will get you there in about 15 minutes.
🚌 The bus journey from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is a convenient option with direct services running every three hours, every day. The trip typically takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
🌅 Covering a distance of 85.7 miles, travelers can enjoy a relatively short 2-hour 30-minute ride from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo by bus. The route involves a single bus transfer in San Jose.
🎫 Prices for the bus ticket between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo can range from $11 to $50. The service is operated by Amtrak, providing a smooth and affordable travel option for those exploring California's central coast.
Departure Point
Santa Barbara station
Arrival Point
San Luis Obispo station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo.
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The distance between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo is approximately 130.4 km by road. Traveling by train takes around 2 hours and 41 minutes to reach San Luis Obispo from Santa Barbara. Alternatively, driving by car takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach Santa Barbara from San Luis Obispo. If you choose to travel by bus, it takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach San Luis Obispo from Santa Barbara.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to make the journey by car, which is both the quickest and cheapest option. Alternatively, there are trains and buses available, but they generally take longer, with the train journey taking 2 hours and 41 minutes and the bus journey taking 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The prices for a train journey from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo can range from $5 to $85, depending on factors such as the class of travel and advanced booking. On the other hand, the prices for a bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara vary from $11 to $50, with prices fluctuating based on factors such as the bus company, time of day, and peak travel seasons.
To get from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is about 170.6 km, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to drive. The cost of driving can vary, but it generally ranges from $19 to $28 in fuel expenses.
The best way to travel from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $11 and $50.
Yes, there is a direct link between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. You can take a train operated by Amtrak, which departs four times a day from Santa Barbara and arrives in San Luis Obispo in approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes. Additionally, there is a direct bus service operated by Amtrak that departs every four hours and takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to travel between the two cities.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Luis Obispo. With over 213+ hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices. Prices for hotels in the area start at $45 per night.