Cheap train tickets from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo. Travelling by train from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo usually takes 1 day, 2 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 1 day, 2 hours and 9 minutes.

Distance: 723 mi (1164 km)
Fastest train: 26h 9m
Lowest price: NOK 1,548.73
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak Coast Starlight
Train lines: 2

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Vancouver to San Luis Obispo Train Timetable

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

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

In the last month, train tickets from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo cost about NOK 1,872 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. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo will cost between NOK 1,162 and NOK 1,974. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

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

Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo 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 NOK 1,596. If you're thinking of travelling from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 2,238 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

You can score the best price on a train ticket from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.

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

2 train services operate from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	26h 35m	NOK 1,853.29
Amtrak Coast Starlight	1	26h 9m	NOK 2,052.07

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 is 1 Amtrak train from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 1,539.29.
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 Vancouver to San Luis Obispo

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo. 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.

Trains leave the station in Vancouver twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to San Luis Obispo faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Vancouver and San Luis Obispo is approximately 723 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 2 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 2 hours and 9 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 Vancouver at 13:15 while the last train of the day leaves at 13:15. 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

1:15pm

Last train

1:15pm

Trains from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Vancouver?

Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St

There is one train station in Vancouver.

All train stations in Vancouver:

1301 W 11th St

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave

San Luis Obispo has one train station.

Train stations in San Luis Obispo:

1011 Railroad Ave

Need a return trip from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver?

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