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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Salinas and San Luis Obispo. The average train journey from Salinas to San Luis Obispo takes 2 hours and 53 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 2 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 111 mi (179 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 35m |
| Lowest price | £18.51 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Salinas to San Luis Obispo
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Salinas to San Luis Obispo?
The average price for a train ticket from Salinas to San Luis Obispo is £32.45, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 27 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 £12.87 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Salinas to San Luis Obispo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only £23,
If you're thinking of traveling from Salinas to San Luis Obispo during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £44 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Salinas to San Luis Obispo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 27 days before departure, you can save around £12.87. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Salinas to San Luis Obispo?
2 train services operate from Salinas to San Luis Obispo. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 41m | £39.43 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 3h 19m | £44.03 |
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 Salinas to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £39.
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 Salinas to San Luis Obispo takes 3 hours and 19 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at £19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Salinas to San Luis Obispo. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between Salinas and San Luis Obispo is approximately 111 miles, or 179 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 35 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Salinas to San Luis Obispo on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Salinas at 12:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 Salinas twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to San Luis Obispo with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Luis Obispo to Salinas.
City Information
Salinas
Image credit: Unsplash
Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.
For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out the nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the 7th Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.
If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the city.
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 Salinas?
Main departure station: 11 Station Pl
There is one train station in Salinas.
All train stations in Salinas:
11 Station Pl
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Salinas at its two active train stations.
Train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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