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Cheap train tickets from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo

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Berkeley to San Luis Obispo Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo usually takes 6 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance200 mi (322 km)
Fastest train5h 46m
Lowest price$28.50
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

The average price for a train ticket from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo is $50.88, By booking your trip at least 10 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 $17.39 more.

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

$60$40$20DecDec

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo will range from $47 to $55. If you're planning to travel by train to San Luis Obispo in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Berkeley you can find in the next 7 days is $47. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND
You can find the lowest prices on this route during November. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo, with the average price at just $41. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in May, when the average price goes up to $51. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 10 days before departure, you can save around $17.39. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

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

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Berkeley to San Luis Obispo. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak56h 48m$51.51
  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo

While the train is the main method of transportation from Berkeley to San Luis Obispo, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Berkeley and San Luis Obispo is approximately 200 miles, or 322 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 46 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 Berkeley to San Luis Obispo tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. 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 Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Berkeley at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 5 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, 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 Berkeley.

City Information

Berkeley

Berkeley, CA, US - BKY-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Berkeley is located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay Area and is home to the popular University of California. It has an ethnically diverse community and numerous culinary and art attractions as a college city. Make the most of your trip with a visit to their unique museums, like the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, the Berkeley Art Museum, and the Pacific Film Archive.

The Lawrence Hall of Science offers a planetarium and hands-on exhibits for families. Berkeley is also home to gorgeous parks and green spaces, like the 2000-acre Tilden Regional Park and Adventure Playground. Berkeley is the center of entertainment in California, with the exciting nightlife attracting students and young professionals. Food is an important part of this city, as you can explore the ethnic restaurants and food trucks. Look out for shows held in the Greek Theatre, or explore their ever-growing craft beer scene. Downtown Berkeley is the entertainment district of this college city.

If you're visiting Berkeley, you can do so by train from 85 other cities or bus from 38 cities. The bus lines are provided by FlixBus, while Amtrak supplies most of the train routes. In the town, you can move around with public transit, with student-friendly prices.

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 Berkeley?

Main departure station: 700 University Ave under University Ave overpass W of 4th St

There is one train station in Berkeley.

All train stations in Berkeley:

  • 700 University Ave under University Ave overpass W of 4th St

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

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

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Luis Obispo by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from San Luis Obispo to Berkeley?

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