Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Monterey
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Luis Obispo to Monterey. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Monterey usually takes 4 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
- Distance
- 114 mi (184 km)
- Fastest train
- 3h 55m
- Lowest price
- $78.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Luis Obispo to Monterey Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from San Luis Obispo to Monterey:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Monterey?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Monterey was $78.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $15.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Monterey by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Luis Obispo to Monterey will cost between $53 and $78. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Monterey by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Luis Obispo to Monterey often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $68. If you're thinking of traveling from San Luis Obispo to Monterey 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
By booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Monterey on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $15.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Monterey?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Luis Obispo to Monterey. 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 | 4h 5m | $86.26 |
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 Luis Obispo to Monterey every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $69.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Monterey
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 Monterey to San Luis Obispo.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Monterey is approximately 114 miles, or 184 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 5 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.
Distance (mi)
114
Distance (km)
184
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Luis Obispo at 3:05pm and arrives in Monterey around 3 hours later.
First train
3:05pm
Last train
3:05pm
Trains from San Luis Obispo to Monterey 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Sunday
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: 1011 Railroad Ave
There is one train station in San Luis Obispo.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
- 1011 Railroad Ave
Where is the train station in Monterey?
Main arrival station: Monterey Bay Aquarium
There are more train stations and stops in Monterey than most cities. Most trains from San Luis Obispo will stop at one (or more) of the 5 following stations in Monterey:
All train stations in Monterey:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 351 Fremont St
- 1 Old Golf Course Rd
- 500 Tyler St
- Monterey (Calle Principal Parking Garage), California
Need a return trip from Monterey to San Luis Obispo?
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