Trains from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo
Lowest Prices
We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.
No Wanderu Fees
Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.
Best Travel Options
We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo usually takes around 11 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 11 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 198 mi (319 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 5m |
| Lowest price | $68.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 11h 18m | $72.75 |
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 San Francisco to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $68.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to San Luis Obispo?
How long is the train journey from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo?
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 11 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 5 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?
Trains departing from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 4:00pm and arrives in San Luis Obispo around 11 hours later.
Is there a direct train from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo?
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, 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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
Main departure station: 201 Pacific St
There are two stations in San Francisco where you can board the train to San Luis Obispo.
All train stations in San Francisco:
201 Pacific St
Rocklin Rd and Railroad Ave
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from San Francisco at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
1011 Railroad Ave
Need a return trip from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from San Francisco
- Train from San Francisco to Vancouver
$136+
- San Francisco to Fresno Train
$31+
- San Francisco to Los Angeles Train
$58+
- Train from San Francisco to Napa
$17+
- San Francisco to Sacramento Train
$32+
- Train from San Francisco to San Diego
$70+
- Train from San Francisco to San Jose
$19+
- San Francisco to Santa Barbara Train
$48+
- San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe
$59+
- San Francisco to Yosemite Valley Train
$33+
- San Francisco to Denver Train
$147+
- San Francisco to Chicago
$209+
- San Francisco to Las Vegas Train
$95+
- San Francisco to Reno Train
$62+
- Train from San Francisco to New York
$264+
- San Francisco to Portland
$79+
- San Francisco to Seattle Train
$96+
- San Francisco to Vancouver Train
$80+
Continue by train from San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo to Anaheim
$46+
- San Luis Obispo to Bakersfield Train
$74+
- San Luis Obispo to Fresno Train
$58+
- San Luis Obispo to Irvine Train
$48+
- San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles Train
$42+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to Monterey
$38+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to Oakland
$50+
- San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles
$17+
- San Luis Obispo to Sacramento Train
$71+
- San Luis Obispo to Salinas Train
$34+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to San Diego
$62+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco
$62+
- San Luis Obispo to San Jose Train
$42+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Ana
$47+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
$27+
- San Luis Obispo to Ventura Train
$39+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to Portland
$175+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to Seattle
$194+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more