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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver. Traveling by train from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver usually takes 26 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 25 hours and 8 minutes.
| Distance | 723 mi (1164 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 8m |
| Lowest price | $95.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver was $120.60. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $61.71 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about $61.71 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver?
2 train services operate from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 1d 3h 24m | $168.32 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 1d 1h 8m | $143.78 |
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 Vancouver every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $99.
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
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Vancouver is approximately 723 miles, or 1164 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 26 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 25 hours and 8 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 departing from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 10:00am 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. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from San Luis Obispo to Vancouver. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Vancouver 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.
Vancouver
Image credit: Unsplash
Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.
Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.
Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.
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 Vancouver.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Where is the train station in Vancouver?
Main arrival station: 1301 W 11th St
Vancouver has one train station.
All train stations in Vancouver:
1301 W 11th St
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