The cheapest and fastest trains from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
6 h 32 m
Average duration
7 h 6 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
316 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
It's difficult to get from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA without transferring at least once.
5:20 AM7h19Irvine, CA12:39 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$991One-way1 transfer
8:20 AM6h32Irvine, CA2:52 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$991One-way1 transfer
1:20 PM7h26Irvine, CA8:46 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$991One-way1 transfer
8:20 AM6h32Irvine, CA2:52 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$991One-way1 transfer
5:20 AM7h19Irvine, CA12:39 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$991One-way1 transfer
1:20 PM7h26Irvine, CA8:46 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$991One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 196 miles (316 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$54 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 18m Average total duration Fastest 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 27m Average total duration 23h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $54 (€44).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 57m.
Tickets start at around $54 (€44) compared to roughly $47 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.00 (€-5.66). The journey takes 6h 48m versus 3h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for today, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK | 5:49 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h26 | 12:15 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK | 5:49 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h41 | 12:30 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 7:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 7h03 | 2:55 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 7:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 7h00 | 2:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 7:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 7h00 | 2:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 7:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h45 | 2:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 9:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h43 | 4:35 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 9:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h28 | 4:20 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 1:52 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 7h00 | 8:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK | 5:52 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h48 | 12:40 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK | 5:52 PM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h33 | 12:25 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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May 21
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May 23
May 24
May 25
Journey information
Overview: Train from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Trains from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 17:52. The fastest train covers the 196 miles (316 km) distance in 7h 0m.
Distance 196 miles (316 km) |
Average train duration 6h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 7h 0m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 5:52 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Irvine, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA from $48 (€39). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
FAQs: Trains from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Luis Obispo, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple lots around the station.
- Del Frisco's Grille
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Marriott Irvine Spectrum
- Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum
- DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum
- Located in the main hall
- 54 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Metrolink and Amtrak
- Bus: Several lines available
- Shuttle: Local shuttle services
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- Novo Restaurant & Lounge
- Firestone Grill
- Outside the main entrance.
- $1
- Apple Farm Inn
- Hotel San Luis Obispo
- Granada Hotel & Bistro
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a single platform with a waiting area and ticketing services.
- Bus: SLO Transit Route 1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5
- RTA Route 9
More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
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