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San Jose to San Luis Obispo train

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San Jose - San Luis Obispo Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

4 trains operate daily from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. The train trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo is usually about 7 hours and 3 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance158 mi (254 km)
Fastest train3h 55m
Lowest price£23.56
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from San Jose to San Luis Obispo

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Arnav

3 October 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: Train was spacious. Cons: Bathroom cleanliness.

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

The average price for a train ticket from San Jose to San Luis Obispo is £46.48, By booking your trip at least 21 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 £4.85 more.

Monthly average prices

£39£31£24£16£8AMJJASONDJFM
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of £31. If you're planning a trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo during September, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about £38 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

£59£47£35£24£123020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 21 days before departure, you can save around £4.85. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

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

2 train services operate from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak37h 31m£54.20
Amtrak Coast Starlight14h 58m£57.84
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from San Jose to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £46.

  • 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 Jose to San Luis Obispo takes 4 hours and 58 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at £24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. 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 Jose and San Luis Obispo is approximately 158 miles, or 254 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 55 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from San Jose to San Luis Obispo on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday 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 San Jose at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. 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 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 San Jose.

City Information

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.

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 San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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.

All train stations in San Jose:

  • Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

San Luis Obispo receives travelers from San Jose at its two active train stations.

Train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

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

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