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Goleta to San Luis Obispo train

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Goleta - San Luis Obispo Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Goleta to San Luis Obispo. The train trip from Goleta to San Luis Obispo is usually about 2 hours and 55 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 28 minutes.

Distance75 mi (121 km)
Fastest train2h 28m
Lowest price$40.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Goleta to San Luis Obispo was $40.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly average prices

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Ticket prices for the train from Goleta to San Luis Obispo stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $32 regardless of when you plan to travel.

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

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak23h 15m$43.24
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner22h 35m$40.00
  • 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 Goleta to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.

  • The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 2 train trips from Goleta to San Luis Obispo every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $40.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Goleta 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 Goleta and San Luis Obispo is approximately 75 miles, or 121 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 28 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Goleta to San Luis Obispo. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Goleta at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 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 Goleta.

City Information

Goleta

Goleta, CA, US - GTA-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Goleta is a city in southern Santa Barbara County, popularly called 'The Good Land.' It comes from the Goleta Valley, a fertile farming region where delicious avocados and citrus grow. The city features family-friendly activities and local fun on picturesque coastal land. The Goleta Beach Park is one of the city's highlights, with a fishing pier. Nature lovers can check out the butterfly preserves in the city or visit Lake Los Carneros. The Sandpiper Gold Club is the best place to enjoy golf at the oceanfront. As for exploring history in Goleta, the South Coast Railroad Museum and Art, Design & Architecture Museum are popular spots in the city.

As a farming city, one of the most popular celebrations in Goleta is the yearly Goleta Lemon Festival, the biggest one in the city. But you don't always have to wait for the festival to come around. Goleta features fun activities and clubs, including The Imperial Lounge. You should visit Goleta between April and November if you want to enjoy the beaches and beach parties.

It is easy to visit Goleta from tens of other cities by train or bus. Amtrak and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provide train routes to Goleta. Buses are a little rarer, with only a few routes provided by FlixBus US.

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 Goleta?

Main departure station: 25 South La Patera Ln

There is one train station in Goleta.

All train stations in Goleta:

  • 25 South La Patera Ln

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave

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

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

Get around town with Moovit

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