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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between San Luis Obispo and South Lake Tahoe. The average train journey from San Luis Obispo to South Lake Tahoe takes 23 hours and 17 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 11 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 255 mi (411 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 50m |
| Lowest price | $77.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from San Luis Obispo to South Lake Tahoe
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from San Luis Obispo to South Lake Tahoe?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Luis Obispo to South Lake Tahoe. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 23h 17m | $96.50 |
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 San Luis Obispo to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $77.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Luis Obispo and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 255 miles, or 411 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 50 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 San Luis Obispo to South Lake Tahoe are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs San Luis Obispo at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00am. 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 San Luis Obispo 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 South Lake Tahoe 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: 1011 Railroad Ave
There are two stations in San Luis Obispo where you can board the train to South Lake Tahoe.
All train stations in San Luis Obispo:
1011 Railroad Ave
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
Where is the train station in South Lake Tahoe?
Main arrival station: Transp Ctr
South Lake Tahoe receives travelers from San Luis Obispo at its two active train stations.
All train stations in South Lake Tahoe:
Transp Ctr
South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
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More trains from San Luis Obispo
- San Luis Obispo to Tucson Train
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- Train from San Luis Obispo to Burbank
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- San Luis Obispo to Fresno Train
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- San Luis Obispo to Fullerton Train
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- Train from San Luis Obispo to Goleta
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- San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles Train
$46+
- San Luis Obispo to Martinez Train
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- Train from San Luis Obispo to Monterey
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- Train from San Luis Obispo to Oakland
$70+
- San Luis Obispo to Ontario Train
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- San Luis Obispo to Oxnard
$45+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to Palm Springs
$69+
- San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles
$19+
- Train from San Luis Obispo to San Francisco
$78+
- San Luis Obispo to San Jose Train
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- Train from San Luis Obispo to Santa Ana
$46+
- San Luis Obispo to Stockton
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- San Luis Obispo to Ventura Train
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Continue by train from South Lake Tahoe
- Train from South Lake Tahoe to Berkeley
$66+
- Train from South Lake Tahoe to Davis
$46+
- South Lake Tahoe to Emeryville
$66+
- South Lake Tahoe to Fremont Train
$72+
- South Lake Tahoe to Fresno Train
$60+
- South Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles Train
$89+
- South Lake Tahoe to Martinez Train
$56+
- South Lake Tahoe to Oakland Train
$66+
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