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Cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

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San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$70.00

Avg. Price

$82.96

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

1

Daily Trips

3

Duration

Duration

1d 2h 52m

Duration

9h 48m

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz usually takes 9 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance140 mi (225 km)
Fastest train7h 5m
Lowest price$44.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

The average price for a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz is $72.33, By booking your trip at least 17 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 $6.87 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for June if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $54. If you're planning a trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz during May, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $78 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak29h 47m$80.00
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $44.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz is approximately 140 miles, or 225 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 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.

Trains from San Luis Obispo to Santa Cruz are the most crowded on Saturday. 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.

The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 8:00am 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.

Trains leave the station in San Luis Obispo twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Cruz 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.

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 Santa Cruz.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

  • 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?

Main arrival station: Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz has one train station.

All train stations in Santa Cruz:

  • Santa Cruz, California

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