Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Salinas
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Luis Obispo to Salinas. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Salinas usually takes 3 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 3 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 111 mi (179 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 5m |
| Lowest price | $50.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 2 |
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San Luis Obispo to Salinas Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Luis Obispo to Salinas?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Luis Obispo to Salinas.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$70.88 | Avg. Price$50.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration3h 7m | Duration2h 50mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Luis Obispo to Salinas (Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from San Luis Obispo to Salinas:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Salinas?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Salinas was $50.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $232.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Salinas by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Luis Obispo to Salinas will cost between $44 and $136. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to Salinas by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Luis Obispo to Salinas often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $51. If you're thinking of traveling from San Luis Obispo to Salinas during January, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $140 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in January, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Salinas on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $232.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to 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 | 3h 50m | $57.00 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 3h 5m | $71.56 |
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 about traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Salinas
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Luis Obispo to Salinas for $50.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Salinas is approximately 111 miles, or 179 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 5 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)
111
Distance (km)
179
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Luis Obispo at 1:45pm and arrives in Salinas around 3 hours later.
First train
1:45pm
Last train
3:05pm
Trains from San Luis Obispo to Salinas are the most crowded on Monday. 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
Monday
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.
Salinas
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
Need a return trip from Salinas to San Luis Obispo?
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