Find coaches from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz, US

Compare 2 ways to travel 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$42 - 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$42, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
7h 36mAverage duration
US$42Cheapest ticket
20kgCO₂ emissions

Bus San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz, US: Trip Overview

Average ticket priceUS$97
Average bus trip duration11h
Number of daily buses2
Earliest bus departure09:00
Distance139 miles
Latest bus departure10:25

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, US

  1. How far is Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo by coach?

    The journey from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz by coach covers an approximate distance of 144 miles (232 km).

  2. What is the best way to go from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz without a car?

    You can reach Santa Cruz from San Luis Obispo by coach, as there are regular services between the two locations. Depending on your preferences, another alternative is to explore ridesharing trips.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
26/08
US$92
27/08
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Today
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29/08
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30/08
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busbud logoThe cheapest trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz, US was searched and found on 26 Aug 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, US 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 the smallest carbon footprint of all motorized transport modes. A bus going from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz will emit half the CO2 emitted by a train, and radically less 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 Santa Cruz, US to San Luis Obispo

Why choose Busbud?

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Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worlwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

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