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Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between San Luis Obispo and Petaluma. The average train journey from San Luis Obispo to Petaluma takes 9 hours and 42 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 8 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 231 mi (372 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 20m |
| Lowest price | $41.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Petaluma?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Petaluma was $69.67. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $9.69 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to Petaluma?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Luis Obispo to Petaluma. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 9h 42m | $73.61 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from San Luis Obispo to Petaluma every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $41.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Luis Obispo and Petaluma is approximately 231 miles, or 372 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 20 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from San Luis Obispo to Petaluma on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Petaluma to San Luis Obispo.
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 San Luis Obispo?
Main departure station: 1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
There are two stations in San Luis Obispo where you can board the train to Petaluma.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
1011 Railroad Ave
Where is the train station in Petaluma?
Main arrival station: Copeland Transit Mall
Petaluma has one train station.
All train stations in Petaluma:
Copeland Transit Mall
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