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Trip Summary
5 trains operate daily from Richmond to San Luis Obispo. The train trip from Richmond to San Luis Obispo is usually about 7 hours and 11 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 54 minutes.
| Distance | 206 mi (331 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 54m |
| Lowest price | $30.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond to San Luis Obispo?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Richmond, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA was $32.50. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Luis Obispo if you book your train tickets at least 10 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $34.23.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Richmond 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 Richmond to San Luis Obispo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond to San Luis Obispo. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 7h 12m | $54.70 |
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 Richmond to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Richmond and San Luis Obispo is approximately 206 miles, or 331 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 54 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Richmond to San Luis Obispo on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Richmond 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 Richmond.
City Information
Richmond
Image credit: Unsplash
Richmond is a city in the South Francisco Bay Area, popular for its rich naval history, specifically its role in the World War 2 home front. During this time, thousands of workers moved to the city to support wartime industries. Richmond features different waterfront neighborhoods and houses facing the river with miles of waterfront areas. Richmond offers its residents scenic parks, shorelines, and outdoor spaces, including Tilden Regional Park, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and Regional Parks Botanic Garden. The city also has some unique places to check out, like the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, which combines a park with a rail museum, and the Redwood Valley Railway.
In Richmond, there are exciting things to do, like zipline adventures in Sonoma and Brazen Racing. The city boasts a fast-growing craft beer scene, with popular names like Fieldwork Brewing and East Brother Beer Company. You can time your visit to participate in the Richmond Main Street Initiative, beer and food, and art festivals. For shopping and restaurants, check out Downtown Richmond.
Richmond is easily accessible from 137 other cities by train, with most trains provided by Amtrak Capitol Corridor. If you prefer to travel by bus, you can follow the routes provided by FlixBus US US from tens of other cities. Within Richmond, there are dedicated public transit routes through BART and Amtrak.
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 Richmond?
Main departure station: BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
There is one train station in Richmond.
All train stations in Richmond:
BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Richmond at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
1011 Railroad Ave
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