Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver. Travelling by train from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver usually takes 1 day, 2 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 1 day, 1 hour and 8 minutes.

Distance: 723 mi (1164 km)
Fastest train: 25h 8m
Lowest price: US$135.00
Trains per day: 4
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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San Luis Obispo to Vancouver Train Timetable

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

There are several train options that can take you from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver:

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

In the last month, train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver cost about US$135 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$151.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver will cost between US$154 and US$286. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

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

Ticket prices for the train from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver 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 US$177. If you're thinking of travelling from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$241 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about US$151.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	27h 22m	US$222.59
Amtrak Coast Starlight	1	25h 12m	US$217.38

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 Luis Obispo to Vancouver every day, as well as 3 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$135.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned carriages, power sockets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Luis Obispo and Vancouver is approximately 723 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 2 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 1 hour and 8 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

723

Distance (km)

1164

The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 12:20 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:05. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

12:20pm

Last train

3:05pm

Trains from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver 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 travelling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Saturday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

San Luis Obispo

San Luis is a remarkable city known for accommodating travellers 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 Golden 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 coach and train stations in San Luis—1011 Railroad Ave and Grand Avenue, Building 113. FlixBus and Amtrak Thruway coaches both service the town for coach 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.

Vancouver

Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.

Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.

Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main departure station: 1011 Railroad Ave

There is one train station in San Luis Obispo.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

1011 Railroad Ave

Where is the train station in Vancouver?

Main arrival station: 1301 W 11th St

Vancouver has one train station.

Train stations in Vancouver:

1301 W 11th St

Need a return trip from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo?

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