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San Luis Obispo, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $8: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Luis Obispo, United States of America
to
San Jose, United States of America

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$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.

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
3h  55m
Estimated price
$17-65
Recommended
Company
Coast Starlight
Train
Average Duration
4h  41m
Estimated price
$8-110
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 256 km
Duration: 3h 11m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  11m
Estimated price
$30-50
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  23m
Estimated price
$184-450
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  19m
Estimated price
$202-170
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Luis Obispo to San Jose

The journey from San Luis Obispo, with its laid-back charm and scenic coastal views, to San Jose, a bustling hub of innovation and culture, offers travelers a captivating contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Jose

San Jose boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown San Jose
• Vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants.
• Home to cultural attractions like the Tech Museum.
Willow Glen
• Tree-lined streets with quaint shops and cafes.
• Strong sense of community and local events.
Alum Rock
• Access to scenic parks and hiking trails.
• Rich cultural heritage and local eateries.

Best Times To Visit San Jose's Attractions

Maximize your enjoyment by timing your visits to San Jose's popular spots just right.

The Tech Interactive
Arrive early on weekdays to avoid school groups and long lines.
San Jose Museum of Art
Visit on Thursday evenings for reduced admission and quieter galleries.
Winchester Mystery House
Explore early morning tours for fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.

San Jose Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, making spring and fall ideal for exploration. Understanding the weather patterns can help you plan outdoor activities and dress appropriately, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Jose

For a taste of local flair, try the Korean BBQ at L.A. BBQ in San Jose, where you can savor bold flavors and interactive dining in a lively atmosphere. This contrasts sharply with the farm-to-table simplicity often found in San Luis Obispo, offering a vibrant culinary scene that highlights diverse ingredients and spices.

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.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

Average Duration
3h 55m
Estimated price
$17-65
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$17-65
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

Average Duration
4h 41m
Estimated price
$8-110
Plane
Website
http://alaskaair.com

Plane from San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$173-174
Website
http://aa.com

Plane from San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
4h 28m
Estimated price
$170-650
Website
http://united.com

Plane from San Luis Obispo County Apt (SBP) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$175-176

San 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 159 miles or 187 miles by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 4 hours and 41 minutes by train, 4 hours and 10 minutes by flying and then taking Caltrain, 3 hours and 11 minutes by car, and 3 hours and 50 minutes by bus. These times are estimates and may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Luis Obispo to San Jose is by taking a bus, which costs between $17 and $65 and takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. This mode of transportation allows for a more affordable journey compared to other options. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest way, taking around 3 hours and 11 minutes and costing between $30 and $50 in fuel expenses. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency depends on the traveler's priorities and budget constraints.
The prices for a train ticket between San Luis Obispo and San Jose range from $8 to $110, depending on factors such as the type of ticket and the class of service. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between San Jose and San Luis Obispo vary from $17 to $65. These prices may also vary depending on the time of day and the operator.
To travel from San Luis Obispo to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 187 miles. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes by car. The cost of driving from San Luis Obispo to San Jose can range from $30 to $50, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
If you're traveling from San Luis Obispo to San Jose without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes and the fare ranges from $17 to $65. This is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between the two cities without the hassle of driving.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Luis Obispo and San Jose. Amtrak operates a train service that departs twice daily from San Luis Obispo and arrives in San Jose, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours and 41 minutes. Additionally, Amtrak also offers a direct bus service that departs every three hours from San Luis Obispo and arrives in San Jose, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. Both the train and bus services operate daily.
The flight between San Luis Obispo and San Jose typically takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes. The quickest and most convenient option is a direct flight from San Luis Obispo County Apt Airport to San Francisco Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability, but generally, prices range from approximately $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket. It is recommended to compare prices and book in advance for the best deals.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Jose. You can choose from over 684 hotels in the area to suit your preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in San Jose start at $49 per night, offering a range of options for different price points. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, or something in between, you'll find a suitable place to stay near San Jose.

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