San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista Train

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San Luis Obispo - Isla Vista Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista. The train trip from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista is usually about 2 hours and 52 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes.

	Distance	75 mi (121 km)
	Fastest train	2h 15m
	Lowest price	$32.00
	Trains per day	2
	Most frequent service	Amtrak
	Train lines	1

What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista was $32.00. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Isla Vista if you book your train tickets at least 10 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $8.00.

Monthly average prices

Mark your calendar for April if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $26. If you're planning a trip from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista during September, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $31 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	2h 52m	$33.60

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 2 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $32.

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently there is not a train that travels the entire distance without requiring you to switch onto a connecting vehicle. However, there are direct buses from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista.

The distance between San Luis Obispo and Isla Vista is approximately 75 miles, or 121 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 15 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from San Luis Obispo to Isla Vista on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 4:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in San Luis Obispo twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Isla Vista with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Isla Vista to San Luis Obispo.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main departure station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

There are two stations in San Luis Obispo where you can board the train to Isla Vista.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
1011 Railroad Ave

Where is the train station in Isla Vista?

Main arrival station: UCSB Bus Loop

Isla Vista has one train station.

All train stations in Isla Vista:

UCSB Bus Loop

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