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Monterey to San Luis Obispo train

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Monterey - San Luis Obispo Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Monterey to San Luis Obispo. Traveling by train from Monterey to San Luis Obispo usually takes 5 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 39 minutes.

Distance114 mi (184 km)
Fastest train4h 39m
Lowest price$35.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Monterey to San Luis Obispo was $37.40. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Luis Obispo if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $35.60.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15MJJASONDJFMA
You can find the lowest prices on this route during January. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, with the average price at just $42. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in October, when the average price goes up to $72. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

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

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Monterey to San Luis Obispo. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak15h 1m$54.35

  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Monterey to San Luis Obispo every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $35.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Monterey and San Luis Obispo is approximately 114 miles, or 184 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 39 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 from Monterey to San Luis Obispo are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 days, there is only one train which leaves Monterey at 10:00am and arrives in San Luis Obispo around 4 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Monterey.

City Information

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 Monterey?

Main departure station: 500 Tyler St

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Monterey where you can board the train.

All train stations in Monterey:

  • 500 Tyler St

  • 351 Fremont St

  • 1 Old Golf Course Rd

  • Marriott

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium

Where is the train station in San Luis Obispo?

Main arrival station: 1011 Railroad Ave

San Luis Obispo has one train station.

All train stations in San Luis Obispo:

  • 1011 Railroad Ave

Get around town with Moovit

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