Cheap train tickets from Ventura to San Luis Obispo

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Ventura to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Ventura to San Luis Obispo usually takes 3 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance: 107 mi (172 km)
Fastest train: 2h 51m
Lowest price: $38.00
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Ventura to San Luis Obispo Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Ventura to San Luis Obispo (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

Joan

August 20, 2022 - Solo travel

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Cafe Cons: Cars numbered inside where riders can see and Cafe directions posted Tips: Prepare for transport to a specific location at the end of the ride. My Uber showed up quickly.

There are several train options that can take you from Ventura to San Luis Obispo:

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Ventura to San Luis Obispo was $44. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 5 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $2 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Ventura to San Luis Obispo by travel date

The cost of a one-way train trip from Ventura to San Luis Obispo is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $43 for your ticket.

Average train ticket prices from Ventura to San Luis Obispo by month

Taking the train from Ventura to San Luis Obispo usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $46 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

The price of train trips from Ventura to San Luis Obispo 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 Ventura to San Luis Obispo?

2 train services operate from Ventura to San Luis Obispo. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	4	3h 20m	$49.43
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner	3	3h 38m	$38.34

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 4 Amtrak trains from Ventura to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $38.
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 Ventura to San Luis Obispo every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $38.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Ventura to San Luis Obispo. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to San Luis Obispo. 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 Luis Obispo to Ventura. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Ventura to San Luis Obispo for $66.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Ventura and San Luis Obispo is approximately 107 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 51 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Distance (mi)

107

Distance (km)

172

The earliest train departs Ventura at 7:11 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 9:48 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

7:11am

Last train

9:48pm

Trains from Ventura to San Luis Obispo 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Saturday

City Information

Ventura

Ventura is a beach town near LA, located on the Central Coast of California. It is known for its different beaches, like the San Buenaventura State Beach, which features the wooden Ventura Pier. Ventura is known as one of the best surf towns in America, with scenic coasts and impressive waves. Surfer's Point is the town's most popular spot for surfing and windsurfing. One of the popular tourist locations in the city is Channel Islands National Park, which is a habitat for rare island foxes and scrub jays, and can be accessed by boat from the Ventura Harbor. Explore Main Street in Downtown Ventura for more landmarks and historical sites.

Ventura has a lively art scene, with different galleries and museums in the downtown area. Enjoy entertaining theatre at the Rubicon Theatre Company, or go on short-day cruises with friends and family. The city also offers an eclectic food scene with Polynesian and Nepalese restaurants and wineries that will surprise you. Its nightlife consists of bars, lounges, breweries, comedy clubs, and taprooms, like The Tavern, all littered in Downtown Ventura.

Ventura is easily accessible from other cities by train routes provided by Amtrak and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and bus lines by FlixBus US and Amtrak Thruway. The Ventura County Transportation Commission provides commuter bus routes throughout the city.

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 Ventura?

Main departure station: Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops

There is one train station in Ventura.

All train stations in Ventura:

Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave

San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Ventura at its two active train stations.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113

Need a return trip from San Luis Obispo to Ventura?

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