Cheap train tickets from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo usually takes 27 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 26 hours and 9 minutes.
| Distance | 723 mi (1164 km) |
| Fastest train | 26h 9m |
| Lowest price | $179.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Vancouver to San Luis Obispo Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo was $207.50. Considering the distance between Vancouver and San Luis Obispo, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $58.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo will cost between $124 and $266. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo by month
Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $169. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $239 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 Vancouver to San Luis Obispo on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $58.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo?
There are multiple trains that travel from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo, including Amtrak, Amtrak Coast Starlight. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 27h 59m | $241.22 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 26h 9m | $243.07 |
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 Vancouver to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $176.
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 Vancouver to San Luis Obispo
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Vancouver to San Luis Obispo. 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 San Luis Obispo to Vancouver.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Vancouver and San Luis Obispo is approximately 723 miles, or 1164 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 26 hours and 9 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)
723
DISTANCE (KM)
1164
The earliest train departs Vancouver at 1:15pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:15pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
1:15pm
LATEST TRAIN
1:15pm
Trains from Vancouver 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
City Information
Vancouver
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.
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 does the train leave from in Vancouver?
Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St
There is one train station in Vancouver.
All train stations in Vancouver:
- 1301 W 11th St
Where does the train arrive in San Luis Obispo?
Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave
San Luis Obispo receives travelers from Vancouver 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 Vancouver?
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