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Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Diego
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 9 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to San Diego usually takes 9 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 22 minutes.
- Distance
- 268 mi (431 km)
- Fastest train
- 7h 22m
- Lowest price
- $61.00
- Trains per day
- 3
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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San Luis Obispo to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Luis Obispo to San Diego?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$82.60 | Avg. Price$69.49Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips9 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration9h 16mFaster | Duration10h 33m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Luis Obispo to San Diego (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from San Luis Obispo to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Diego was $61. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $27.48 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Luis Obispo to San Diego will cost between $72 and $86. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo to San Diego by month
Taking the train from San Luis Obispo to San Diego usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $77 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from San Luis Obispo to San Diego doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to San Diego?
2 train services operate from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 9h 27m | $90.67 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 3 | 8h 45m | $61.00 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to San Diego every day, as well as 17 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $68.
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 3 train trips from San Luis Obispo to San Diego every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $61.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to San Diego
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
There are 9 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to San Diego. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Luis Obispo to San Diego for $38.
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
3
The distance between San Luis Obispo and San Diego is approximately 268 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 22 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)
268
Distance (km)
431
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 3:15 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 4:17 PM. 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
3:15am
Last train
4:17pm
Trains from San Luis Obispo to San Diego 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
San Diego
San Diego is known as “America's Finest City” for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
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 San Diego.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
- 1011 Railroad Ave
- 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot
The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.
All train stations in San Diego:
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
- 4005 Taylor St
Need a return trip from San Diego to San Luis Obispo?
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