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Trip Summary
There are 4 daily trains from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo usually takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 81 mi (130 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 30m |
| Lowest price | $35.89 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo
- Amtrak tickets: C$44 one-way
- Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets: C$36 one-way
- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner tickets: C$47 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
The average price for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is $46.93, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 14 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $10.95 more.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, book online with Wanderu at least 14 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $10.95 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
There are 3 train lines with service from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 48m | $51.42 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 2h 32m | $61.52 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 2 | 2h 50m | $46.93 |
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 Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $44.
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 Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo takes 2 hours and 32 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $36.
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 2 train trips from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $47.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to San Luis Obispo. 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 San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara.
City Information
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a major travel destination along the southern coast of California. Dramatically situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara offers incomparable scenery with a comfortably warm climate year-round. White stucco buildings with Mediterranean-style architecture, gorgeous beaches, and upscale local cuisine give Santa Barbara the nickname "The American Riviera."
There are many kinds of vacations to enjoy in Santa Barbara. You can spend days on the soft sand of Leadbetter Beach, surfing in the swells at Rincon Point, or shopping for trinkets along Stearns Wharf. Or embrace the area's history by visiting the Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish mission founded in 1786. Highlights from the mission include Spanish architecture, a rose garden, a museum, and even crypts.
Santa Barbara Airport, only a few miles from downtown, serves passengers to the region. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops in Santa Barbara on its way from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with plenty of connections to other SoCal hotspots. Intercity buses, including FlixBus, offer routes from Santa Barbara to destinations like L.A., San Diego, and Las Vegas.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main departure station: 209 State Street
There is one train station in Santa Barbara.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
209 State Street
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Santa Barbara at its two active train stations.
Train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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