5.0
Pros: My first time...8 hrs but confortable. Cons: Satisfied. Tips: Bring own snaks.
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Trip Summary
There are 8 daily trains from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside usually takes around 8 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 236 mi (380 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 52m |
| Lowest price | $70.40 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside?
Over the past month, a train ticket between San Luis Obispo and Oceanside cost $92.98, on average. Booking your trip at least 17 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $13.02 more.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during March. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside, with the average price at just $79. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in September, when the average price goes up to $99. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 17 days before departure, you can save around $13.02. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside?
2 train services operate from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 7 | 9h 1m | $100.09 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 1 | 7h 53m | $74.54 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 7 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside every day, as well as 9 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $62.
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 1 train trips from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $75.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Oceanside is approximately 236 miles, or 380 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 52 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from San Luis Obispo to Oceanside are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Oceanside. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Oceanside to San Luis Obispo.
City Information
San Luis Obispo
San Luis is a remarkable city known for accommodating travelers with different intents - those looking for nightlife, a laid-back experience, or a healthy mix of both. It is also known for its outstanding farmers' market with some of the best fruits and veggies in all of California. The historic Spanish Mission, art galleries, museums, wine, craft beer tasting room, and great restaurants can provide any type of fun you're looking for in the Sunshine State.
Want a truly unique experience? Swing by Bubblegum Alley, with walls lined with chewed bubblegum. Leave some yourself to make your mark! Or, for more traditional art, visit the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, with galleries displaying work by contemporary California artists.
SLO has two major bus and train stations in San Luis - 1011 Railroad Ave and Grand Avenue, Building 113. FlixBus and Amtrak Thruway buses both service the town for bus transport, and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight provide train options. There is also a county airport that lets you fly in from wherever you are in the world and is located just two miles from the main city.
Oceanside
Oceanside is a beautiful coastal city in Southern California, best known for its lovely beaches and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and more.
There are also many great points of interest worth checking out, including the Oceanside Pier, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Also, don't miss the Oceanside Museum of Art, which houses a collection of art from across the globe. Other attractions include Mission San Luis Rey and the California Surf Museum.
The city also boasts a variety of popular neighborhoods and nightlife destinations, like Downtown Oceanside or Coastal Highway, which are home to several bars and restaurants, and The Strand, which offers a vibrant nightlife scene.
Most ground travel to Oceanside operates through the Oceanside Transit Center. Here, Metrolink trains and local buses connect to Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route and intercity bus lines like Greyhound. The nearest airport is the McClellan-Palomar Airport, about 3 miles away from the center of Oceanside.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1011 Railroad Ave
There are two stations in San Luis Obispo where you can board the train to Oceanside.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Where is the train station in Oceanside?
Main arrival station: Oceanside Transit Center
Oceanside has one train station.
Train stations in Oceanside:
Oceanside Transit Center
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