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Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Riverside

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San Luis Obispo to Riverside Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to Riverside. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Riverside usually takes 10 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance207 mi (333 km)
Fastest train7h 50m
Lowest price$67.36
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Riverside?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Riverside was $103.35. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Riverside if you book your train tickets at least 15 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $12.08.

Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Riverside by month

$105$84$63$42$21JFMAMJJASOND
Taking the train from San Luis Obispo to Riverside usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $104 whenever you decide to travel.

Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Riverside?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Luis Obispo to Riverside. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak610h 4m$108.81
  • 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 6 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Riverside every day, as well as 9 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $67.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Riverside

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Luis Obispo to Riverside. 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 Riverside is approximately 207 miles, or 333 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 50 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 Riverside 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 Sunday 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 9:00am. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Riverside 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.

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!

Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!

Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.

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 Riverside.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

Where is the train station in Riverside?

Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St  - RIVMEG-0

Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

On June 14, 1993, the Riverside station on Vine Street opened as a transportation facility. It comprises a platform with modest shelters to shield visitors from the sun and adverse weather. On April 29, 2002, the station was added as a stop on the Southwest Chief route, putting an end to Amtrak trains just passing through Riverside without making a scheduled stop. In addition to Amtrak, the station now primarily operates as a Metrolink commuter rail and transit bus terminal.

Train stations in Riverside:

  • Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Riverside to San Luis Obispo?

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