4.0
Pros: It was relatively short. Cons: More trains running instead if requiring so much time on amtrak buses. Tips: Ensure you're trip is mostly train rather than bus.
Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo
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San Francisco to San Luis Obispo Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$44.71 | Avg. Price$86.67 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips7 |
Duration | Duration4h 18m | Duration8h 27m |
Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between San Francisco and San Luis Obispo. The average train journey from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo takes 8 hours and 26 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 198 mi (319 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 25m |
| Lowest price | $75.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo was $85.29. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $69. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $82 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo, book online with Wanderu at least 22 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $3.31 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to San Luis Obispo. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 8h 26m | $88.66 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $61.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo
While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
The distance between San Francisco and San Luis Obispo is approximately 198 miles, or 319 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 25 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 departing from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs San Francisco at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. 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 4 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 San Francisco.
City Information
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
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 San Francisco?
Image credit: 146109843@N05
Link to image attributionMain departure station: San Francisco, California
Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.
All train stations in San Francisco:
San Francisco, California
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from San Francisco 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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