Bus Tickets from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz (CA), US

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Compare 2 ways to go from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

Bus
Average PriceUS$21 - US$97Average Duration11h
6kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average PriceUS$52 - US$86Average Duration7h 36m
20kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Fastest
busbud logoBusbud recommends taking the train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Santa Cruz. The journey takes about 7 hours 36 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$52, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
7h 36mAverage Duration
US$52Cheapest ticket
20kgCO₂ emissions

Bus San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz: Trip Overview

Average Ticket PriceUS$97
Average Bus Trip Duration11h
Number of daily buses2
Earliest bus departure9:00am
Distance225 km
Latest bus departure10:25am

San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz Bus

Busbud shows you the best bus ticket fares and bus schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

Discover how much the bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz will cost you. Use our filters and sorting features to find the cheapest bus tickets or luxury buses.

Frequently asked questions on the trip San Luis Obispo - Santa Cruz (CA), US

  1. How long does it take to get to Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo by bus?

    The bus ride from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz takes 11h, on average. The fastest bus on this trip will get to Santa Cruz in 10h 35m

  2. What is the distance between San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz?

    The distance between San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz is approximately 232 km (144 miles).

  3. What are the departure and arrival locations for buses traveling from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

    Buses departing from AMTRAK Station in San Luis Obispo will take you to Metro Center Bus Station in Santa Cruz.

  4. What is the cheapest way to get from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

    Taking the bus is the cheapest option to travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz. Starting at US$21, this bus is the most cost-effective option for your journey.

  5. How much is the bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

    You can expect to pay around US$97 for the bus ride from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

  6. Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

    Yes! If you're heading from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz, you'll find buses departing until 10:25am and arriving the next day.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

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US$92
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busbud logoThe cheapest trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz was searched and found on Jun 7, 2025 with a price of US$92

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz, as early as possible.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

If you're abroad, study some local language. Not only could it get you out of a pickle during your bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz but it'll also be endearing to native speakers who will surely appreciate your effort.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you’re bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

Buses have one of the smallest carbon footprints of motorized transport modes. A bus going from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz will emit less CO2 than a car or an airplane.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

Did you know?

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

Did you know there are on average 4,400 intercity bus departures every day in the US only? This number has been growing for 9 years in a row, yay!

Will you be returning to San Luis Obispo by bus?

Bus from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

You can also go to Santa Cruz by train

Train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

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