Pros: Train was spacious. Cons: Bathroom cleanliness.
Cheap train tickets from San Jose to San Luis Obispo
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Jose to San Luis Obispo?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Jose to San Luis Obispo.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$42.25 | Avg. Price$67.28 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration3h 15m | Duration7h 1m |
Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. The train trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo is usually about 7 hours and 8 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 158 mi (254 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 55m |
| Lowest price | $36.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Jose to San Luis Obispo
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to San Luis Obispo?
The average price for a train ticket from San Jose to San Luis Obispo is $59.67, By booking your trip at least 8 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $14.27 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Mark your calendar for June if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $45. If you're planning a trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo during March, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $67 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 8 days before departure, you can save around $14.27. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from San Jose to San Luis Obispo?
2 train services operate from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 7h 36m | $73.56 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 4h 58m | $70.60 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from San Jose to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $59.
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 San Jose to San Luis Obispo
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to San Luis Obispo. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between San Jose and San Luis Obispo is approximately 158 miles, or 254 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 55 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 San Jose to San Luis Obispo on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs San Jose at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to San Luis Obispo. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose.
City Information
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
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 Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from San Jose 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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