Cheap train tickets from Portland to San Luis Obispo

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Portland to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Portland to San Luis Obispo usually takes 26 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 24 hours and 8 minutes.

Distance: 715 mi (1151 km)
Fastest train: 24h 8m
Lowest price: NOK 1,254.01
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Portland to San Luis Obispo Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

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

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to San Luis Obispo was NOK 1,441.63. 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 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 1,006.44 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to San Luis Obispo will cost between NOK 1,264 and NOK 1,663. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

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

Ticket prices for the train from Portland to San Luis Obispo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only NOK 1,729. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to San Luis Obispo during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 2,280 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Portland to San Luis Obispo on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 1,006.44 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Portland to San Luis Obispo?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	26h 26m	NOK 1,969.68
Amtrak Coast Starlight	1	25h 2m	NOK 1,993.74

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 Portland to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 1,254.01.
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 about traveling by train from Portland to San Luis Obispo

The distance between Portland and San Luis Obispo is approximately 715 miles, or 1151 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 26 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 24 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.

Distance (mi)

715

Distance (km)

1151

The earliest train departs Portland at 2:22pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:22pm. 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

2:22pm

Last train

2:22pm

Trains from Portland to San Luis Obispo are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Portland

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.

Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.

Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."

As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.

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 Portland?

Main departure station: Union Station

Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0

Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.

All train stations in Portland:

Union Station

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave

San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Portland 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 Portland?

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