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Riverside - San Luis Obispo Train Timetable
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Riverside and San Luis Obispo. The average train journey from Riverside to San Luis Obispo takes 9 hours and 48 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 8 hours and 47 minutes.
| Distance | 207 mi (333 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 47m |
| Lowest price | £38.54 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Riverside to San Luis Obispo?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Riverside and San Luis Obispo cost £60.73, on average. Booking your trip at least 4 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around £1.44 more.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Riverside to San Luis Obispo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 4 days before departure, you can save around £1.44. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Riverside to San Luis Obispo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Riverside to San Luis Obispo. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 9h 49m | £62.69 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Riverside to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £39.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Riverside and San Luis Obispo is approximately 207 miles, or 333 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 47 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Riverside to San Luis Obispo. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Riverside at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. 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 5 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 San Luis Obispo to Riverside.
City Information
Riverside
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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.
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 Riverside?
Image credit: Juan Enrique Gilardi
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All train stations in Riverside:
Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Riverside at its two active train stations.
Train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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