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Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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San Luis Obispo to San Jose Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips from San Luis Obispo to San Jose.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$123.04
Avg. Price
$126.20
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
3h 45m
Duration
4h 53m

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose usually takes 4 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance158 mi (254 km)
Fastest train2h 50m
Lowest price$82.88
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Emerson

January 29, 2026- Visiting family

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: I enjoyed being able to lean back and relax in a comfy chair while I watched the beautiful scenery. Cons: I think the curtains could be placed a bit differently. I also miss the viewing deck. Tips: Make sure to bring a jacket that’s easily accessible and if you have to sleep a neck pillow.

5.0

Phoenix

December 4, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: it wasn’t too busy so i was able to get two seats to myself and the rest stop is really nice because i was able to use the bathroom and quickly get food. Cons: the bus came on time but the driver didn’t let us board until twenty minutes after. Tips: make sure to charge your phone beforehand or bring a portable because sometimes the outlets don’t work.

5.0

Carlos

November 12, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Didn't have to drive! Cons: Let the new drivers know the reason Amtrak is using buses for transportation since the trip was booked with them instead of a bus. No biggie to me, just curious. Tips: Have fun... life's short!

4.0

John

August 23, 2022- Business

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: The alternative is driving, which is both expensive, and makes focusing on other work impossible. The train provides internet connectivity and 115 VAC power outlets, so one can do business while traveling. Very valuable. Cons: The staff could be more professional. On this trip and the last, the conductors did not seem to understand that their station announcements need to be made in clear, relatively slow presentation. Lots of people on the train are not native speakers, or are from other parts of America with different dialects. Conductors need to be clear about advice as to arrival times and places, and information about delays. Tips: Probably best to bring your own lunch. The snack bar is quite expensive and has necessary limitations.

5.0

Tessa

July 28, 2021- Business

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Loved my trip so much!!! I vowed to never drive again and only travel by train haha it’s so niceeee! The train itself was also just so spacious and comfy and even had a vegan burger and huge windows to enjoy the view!! 10/10!!

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Jose was $98.13. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $43.43 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

$179$143$107$71$36NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $120. If you're thinking of traveling from San Luis Obispo to San Jose during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $167 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$214$171$129$86$433020100

By booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $43.43 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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

2 train services operate from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak14h 58m$147.10
Amtrak Coast Starlight14h 41m$135.11

  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to San Jose every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $113.

  • The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose takes 4 hours and 41 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $76.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. 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 San Jose is approximately 158 miles, or 254 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 50 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from San Luis Obispo to San Jose are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in San Luis Obispo twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to San Jose faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.

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

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-2

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.

While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.

Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.

San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.

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 San Jose.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.

Train stations in San Jose:

  • Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Jose by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo?

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