Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Fresno
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to Fresno. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Fresno usually takes 10 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 113 mi (181 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 45m |
| Lowest price | $80.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Luis Obispo to Fresno Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Luis Obispo to Fresno?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Luis Obispo to Fresno.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$113.29 | Avg. Price$85.40Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration10h 44mFaster | Duration11h 20m |

There are several train options that can take you from San Luis Obispo to Fresno:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Fresno?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Fresno was $96.50. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $32.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Fresno by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Luis Obispo to Fresno will cost between $107 and $129. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Fresno by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Luis Obispo to Fresno often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $73. If you're thinking of traveling from San Luis Obispo to Fresno during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $98 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Fresno on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $32.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Luis Obispo to Fresno?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Luis Obispo to Fresno, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 10h 44m | $113.29 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Fresno every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $80.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Fresno
Trains leave the station in San Luis Obispo twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Fresno to San Luis Obispo. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Luis Obispo to Fresno for $51.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Fresno is approximately 113 miles, or 181 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 45 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
113
DISTANCE (KM)
181
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 12:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:40pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
12:30am
LATEST TRAIN
12:40pm
Trains from San Luis Obispo to Fresno are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
City Information
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.
Fresno



Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.
Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.
Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s Gold Runner line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1011 Railroad Ave
There are two stations in San Luis Obispo where you can board the train to Fresno.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
- 1011 Railroad Ave
- 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Where does the train arrive in Fresno?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St


The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak Gold Runner train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.
All train stations in Fresno:
- Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St
Need a return trip from Fresno to San Luis Obispo?
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