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San Luis Obispo to San Jose train

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San Luis Obispo - San Jose Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to San Jose usually takes 8 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours.

Distance158 mi (254 km)
Fastest train4h 0m
Lowest price$28.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Luis Obispo to San Jose

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Phoenix

December 4, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: it wasn’t too busy so i was able to get two seats to myself and the rest stop is really nice because i was able to use the bathroom and quickly get food. Cons: the bus came on time but the driver didn’t let us board until twenty minutes after. Tips: make sure to charge your phone beforehand or bring a portable because sometimes the outlets don’t work.

5.0

Carlos

November 12, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Didn't have to drive! Cons: Let the new drivers know the reason Amtrak is using buses for transportation since the trip was booked with them instead of a bus. No biggie to me, just curious. Tips: Have fun... life's short!

4.0

John

August 23, 2022- Business

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: The alternative is driving, which is both expensive, and makes focusing on other work impossible. The train provides internet connectivity and 115 VAC power outlets, so one can do business while traveling. Very valuable. Cons: The staff could be more professional. On this trip and the last, the conductors did not seem to understand that their station announcements need to be made in clear, relatively slow presentation. Lots of people on the train are not native speakers, or are from other parts of America with different dialects. Conductors need to be clear about advice as to arrival times and places, and information about delays. Tips: Probably best to bring your own lunch. The snack bar is quite expensive and has necessary limitations.

5.0

Tessa

July 28, 2021- Business

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Loved my trip so much!!! I vowed to never drive again and only travel by train haha it’s so niceeee! The train itself was also just so spacious and comfy and even had a vegan burger and huge windows to enjoy the view!! 10/10!!

What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?

The average price for a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to San Jose is $68.83, By booking your trip at least 15 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $11.67 more.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for May if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $49. If you're planning a trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $59 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from San Luis Obispo to San Jose, book online with Wanderu at least 15 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $11.67 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to San Jose?

2 train services operate from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak39h 45m$82.30
Amtrak Coast Starlight14h 42m$55.28

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to San Jose every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $58.

  • 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 trains that can take you the entire way from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. 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.

The distance between San Luis Obispo and San Jose is approximately 158 miles, or 254 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours,

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.

Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Luis Obispo to San Jose. 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 Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to San Jose. 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 Jose 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.

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-2

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.

While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.

Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.

San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.

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 Jose.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.

All train stations in San Jose:

  • Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

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