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Cheap train tickets from Irvine to San Luis Obispo
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Irvine to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Irvine to San Luis Obispo usually takes 6 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 26 minutes.
- Distance
- 197 mi (317 km)
- Fastest train
- 6h 26m
- Lowest price
- $48.00
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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Irvine to San Luis Obispo Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Irvine to San Luis Obispo?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Irvine to San Luis Obispo.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$75.05 | Avg. Price$72.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration6h 54mFaster | Duration10h 19m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Irvine to San Luis Obispo (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Irvine to San Luis Obispo:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Irvine to San Luis Obispo?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Irvine to San Luis Obispo was $73.46. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $5.30 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to San Luis Obispo by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Irvine to San Luis Obispo will cost between $66 and $81. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Irvine to San Luis Obispo by month
Taking the train from Irvine to San Luis Obispo usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $69 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Irvine to San Luis Obispo doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Irvine to San Luis Obispo?
2 train services operate from Irvine to San Luis Obispo. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 6h 55m | $80.92 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 2 | 6h 53m | $48.00 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Irvine to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $55.
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 Irvine to San Luis Obispo every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $48.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Irvine to San Luis Obispo
There are 7 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 Irvine. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Irvine to San Luis Obispo for $72.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
The distance between Irvine and San Luis Obispo is approximately 197 miles, or 317 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 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.
Distance (mi)
197
Distance (km)
317
The earliest train departs Irvine at 5:49am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:52pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
5:49am
Last train
5:52pm
Trains from Irvine to San Luis Obispo are the most crowded on Friday. 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 traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Irvine
Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.
When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!
It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
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 Irvine?
Main departure station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine Station – also known as Irvine Transportation Center – is the busiest station in South Orange County, serving over a million passengers annually. It first opened in 1990 on the south side of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the Spectrum district. The station serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink (Southern California's commuter rail system), and various local transit bus lines part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's network. In the vicinity of the station, there are hotels, offices, and shops. Irvine Station is also close to the Irvine Spectrum Center, one of SoCal's most popular entertainment and shopping destinations.
All train stations in Irvine:
- Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Irvine at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
- 1011 Railroad Ave
- 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Need a return trip from San Luis Obispo to Irvine?
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