Trains from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo usually takes around 8 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 8 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 233 mi (374 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 36m |
| Lowest price | $46.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo?
In the last month, $53.73 was the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $40.38 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo will vary between $51 and $78. Planning a train trip to San Luis Obispo within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Sacramento over the next 7 days is $51. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Since the average price of train trips from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.
Which train should you take from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo?
2 train services operate from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 10h 10m | $123.00 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 8h 36m | $61.23 |
Amtrak
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 1 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $123.
Amtrak Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo takes 8 hours and 36 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $46.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo?
How long is the train journey from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo?
The distance between Sacramento and San Luis Obispo is approximately 233 miles, or 374 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 36 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Sacramento at 5:00am and arrives in San Luis Obispo around 8 hours later.
Is there a direct train from Sacramento to San Luis Obispo?
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to San Luis Obispo with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Luis Obispo to Sacramento.
City Information
Sacramento
As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.
Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.
The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Sacramento?
Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St
Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.
All train stations in Sacramento:
Valley Station - 401 I St
201 Pacific St
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo has one train station.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
Need a return trip from San Luis Obispo to Sacramento?
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