5.0
Pros: Riding in the train was great. Cons: Could be cleaner. Tips: Not really.
4.0
Pros: Fast and efficient. Cons: A little more space.
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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from San Luis Obispo to Salinas per day. The average train journey from San Luis Obispo to Salinas takes 2 hours and 59 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 2 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 111 mi (179 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 45m |
| Lowest price | $30.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Luis Obispo to Salinas
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.8
What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Salinas?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Salinas was $30.00. 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 Salinas if you book your train tickets at least 17 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $21.95.
Monthly avg. prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during May. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Salinas, with the average price at just $33. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in June, when the average price goes up to $58. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Salinas?
2 train services operate from San Luis Obispo to Salinas. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 51m | $50.00 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 3h 6m | $47.17 |
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 Salinas every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $50.
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
Yes, there are some trains that travel the entire distance from San Luis Obispo to Salinas. However, in some cases you will have to take a bus for part of your journey in addition to taking the train.
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Salinas is approximately 111 miles, or 179 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 45 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Luis Obispo to Salinas. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Luis Obispo at 10:00am and arrives in Salinas around 2 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Salinas with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Salinas 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.
Salinas
Image credit: Unsplash
Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.
For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.
If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station 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 Salinas.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Where is the train station in Salinas?
Main arrival station: 11 Station Pl
Salinas has one train station.
All train stations in Salinas:
11 Station Pl
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