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There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Ventura to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Ventura to San Luis Obispo usually takes 3 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 107 mi (172 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 2m |
| Lowest price | $38.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Ventura to San Luis Obispo
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
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.
5.0
Pros: Very relaxing and enjoyed the sound of the train. Could have taken a nap but didn’t want to miss the beautiful ocean view. Tips: Sit back, relax and enjoy the trip.
The average price for a train ticket from Ventura to San Luis Obispo is $45.50, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 5 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 $1.95 more.
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.
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 21m | $49.35 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 2 | 3h 35m | $38.00 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Ventura to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $45.
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 2 train trips from Ventura to San Luis Obispo every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $38.
The distance between Ventura and San Luis Obispo is approximately 107 miles, or 172 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 2 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Ventura to San Luis Obispo. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Ventura at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 2 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.
Image credit: Unsplash
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 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.
There is one train station in Ventura.
Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Ventura at its two active train stations.
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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