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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Reno to San Luis Obispo. The train trip from Reno to San Luis Obispo is usually about 12 hours and 44 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 11 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 297 mi (478 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 30m |
| Lowest price | $97.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Reno to San Luis Obispo?
The average price for a train ticket from Reno to San Luis Obispo is $122.75, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 23 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 $11.63 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Reno to San Luis Obispo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Reno to San Luis Obispo. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 12h 45m | $128.87 |
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 Reno to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $97.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Reno and San Luis Obispo is approximately 297 miles, or 478 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 30 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 Reno to San Luis Obispo tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Reno at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 Reno 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 San Luis Obispo to Reno.
City Information
Reno
Dazzling with neon lights and bustling through the night, Reno is a great destination for those seeking top-class entertainment. Though considerably outshined by Las Vegas, Reno still brings unique attractions to the table. Among the most notable destinations for non-gamblers is an independent art scene down at Riverwalk, where indie galleries as well as restaurants abound. Fans of the great outdoors should not miss out on nearby Lake Tahoe, which stands among the most beautiful vacation destinations in the country.
At its core, Reno is still a city for gamblers, and it certainly does not disappoint. Slot machines, table games and cabaret shows are available at the local casinos, ready to tempt risk-takers who wish to court Lady Luck.
Right in the heart of downtown Reno, you will find the Reno Amtrak station from where you can take a train to Northern California and beyond. The local Reno-Tahoe International Airport is located outside of the city and it provides quick access to international flight routes. The main bus stop that serves Reno is also located at the airport.
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 Reno?
Image credit: Mark Hogan
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Mark Hogan
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Reno Amtrak Train Station
The Amtrak Station in Reno is one of the main travel hubs in the city and opened in 1868. Located on North Center St, the station is surrounded by the casinos, restaurants, and hotels which put Reno on the map. Due to its downtown location, the station waiting area and the train tracks are actually placed below ground level. The California Zephyr train line passes through this station on its route from Chicago to Emeryville as well as Amtrak Thruway buses which connect to Sacramento.
All train stations in Reno:
Reno Amtrak Train Station
Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Reno at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
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