Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Riverside
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to Riverside. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Riverside usually takes 9 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 207 mi (333 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 40m |
| Lowest price | $71.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
San Luis Obispo to Riverside Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from San Luis Obispo to Riverside:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Riverside?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Riverside was $75.89. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $0.61 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Riverside by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from San Luis Obispo to Riverside is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $75 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Riverside by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Luis Obispo to Riverside often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in December when the average ticket price is only $72. If you're thinking of traveling from San Luis Obispo to Riverside during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $79 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Riverside on Wanderu at least 1 days ahead of time, you can save about $0.61 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Riverside?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Luis Obispo to Riverside. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 9h 52m | $76.08 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Riverside every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $71.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Riverside
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Riverside is approximately 207 miles, or 333 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 40 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)
207
Distance (km)
333
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 3:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:50am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
3:45am
Last train
9:50am
Trains from San Luis Obispo to Riverside are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Friday
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.
Riverside
Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!
Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!
Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.
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 Riverside.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
- 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
- 1011 Railroad Ave
Where is the train station in Riverside?
Main arrival station: Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
On June 14, 1993, the Riverside station on Vine Street opened as a transportation facility. It comprises a platform with modest shelters to shield visitors from the sun and adverse weather. On April 29, 2002, the station was added as a stop on the Southwest Chief route, putting an end to Amtrak trains just passing through Riverside without making a scheduled stop. In addition to Amtrak, the station now primarily operates as a Metrolink commuter rail and transit bus terminal.
All train stations in Riverside:
- Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
Need a return trip from Riverside to San Luis Obispo?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo to Martinez Train$76+
- San Luis Obispo to Moorpark Train$48+
- San Luis Obispo to Anaheim Train$62+
- San Luis Obispo to Camarillo Train$46+
- San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles Train$57+
- San Luis Obispo to Las Vegas Train$131+
- San Luis Obispo to Santa Rosa Train$46+
- San Luis Obispo to Burbank Train$58+
- San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara Train$36+
- San Luis Obispo to Davis Train$71+
- San Luis Obispo to Simi Valley Train$51+
- San Luis Obispo to Goleta Train$41+
- San Luis Obispo to Oakland Train$98+
- San Luis Obispo to San Clemente Train$73+
- San Luis Obispo to Glendale Train$53+
- San Luis Obispo to Pasadena Train
- San Luis Obispo to Oxnard Train$50+
- San Luis Obispo to Emeryville Train$100+
Continue by train from Riverside
Check out these popular routes
- Seattle to Vancouver Train$84+
- Los Angeles, CA to Las Vegas, NM Train$93+
- Boston to Philadelphia Train$167+
- Los Angeles to Seattle Train$231+
- Seattle to New York Train$613+
- Seattle to Los Angeles Train$230+
- Los Angeles to Las Vegas Train$117+
- Newark to Washington, DC Train$112+
- Vancouver to Seattle Train$47+
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. 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.