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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Fresno to San Luis Obispo. The train trip from Fresno to San Luis Obispo is usually about 5 hours and 30 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 26 minutes.
| Distance | 113 mi (181 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 26m |
| Lowest price | RON 225.07 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Fresno to San Luis Obispo?
The average price for a train ticket from Fresno to San Luis Obispo is RON 225.07, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 14 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 RON 10.93 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Fresno 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 RON 145,
If you're thinking of traveling from Fresno to San Luis Obispo during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 202 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
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Fresno to San Luis Obispo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 14 days before departure, you can save around RON 10.93. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Fresno to San Luis Obispo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Fresno to San Luis Obispo. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 5h 31m | RON 233.28 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Fresno to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 225.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Fresno and San Luis Obispo is approximately 113 miles, or 181 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 26 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.
Trains departing from Fresno to San Luis Obispo tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Fresno at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00. 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 Fresno twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, 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 Fresno.
City Information
Fresno
Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.
Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.
Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s San Joaquins line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.
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 Fresno?
Image credit: Ron Reiring
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Mattias Thorslund
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak San Joaquins train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.
All train stations in Fresno:
Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Fresno at its two active train stations.
Train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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