Cheap train tickets from Salinas to San Luis Obispo
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Salinas to San Luis Obispo Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Salinas to San Luis Obispo?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Salinas to San Luis Obispo.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$50.00 | Avg. Price$50.38 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration2h 48m | Duration3h 28m |
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Salinas to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Salinas to San Luis Obispo usually takes 3 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 3 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 111 mi (179 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 18m |
| Lowest price | $48.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Salinas to San Luis Obispo
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.5
What is the price of a train ticket from Salinas to San Luis Obispo?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Salinas to San Luis Obispo was $48.00. 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 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $17.36 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Salinas to San Luis Obispo by month
Ticket prices for the train from Salinas to San Luis Obispo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only $50. If you're thinking of traveling from Salinas to San Luis Obispo during February, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $86 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in February, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Salinas to San Luis Obispo?
2 train services operate from Salinas to San Luis Obispo. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 45m | $57.00 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 3h 18m | $62.31 |
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 Salinas to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $57.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Salinas to San Luis Obispo
Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from Salinas to San Luis Obispo. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between Salinas and San Luis Obispo is approximately 111 miles, or 179 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 18 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 from Salinas to San Luis Obispo are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Salinas at 10:00am and arrives in San Luis Obispo around 3 hours later.
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 Salinas.
City Information
Salinas
Image credit: Unsplash
Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.
For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.
If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the city.
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 Salinas?
Main departure station: 11 Station Pl
There is one train station in Salinas.
All train stations in Salinas:
11 Station Pl
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Salinas at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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