The cheapest and fastest trains from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
6 h 26 m
Average duration
6 h 34 m
Trains per day
11
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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 11 trains that leave Irvine, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Fri, Jul 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct trains cover the 316 km distance in an average of 6 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 26 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest trains will take 6 h 43 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
777 Pacific Surfliner1:52 PM7h00Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA8:52 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$551One-way0 transfers
765 Pacific Surfliner7:52 AM6h45Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA2:37 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$551One-way0 transfers
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK7:52 AM7h03Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA2:55 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$621One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK9:52 AM6h28Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA4:20 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$821One-way1 transfer
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK5:49 AM6h26Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA12:15 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$821One-way1 transfer
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK5:49 AM6h26Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA12:15 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$821One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK9:52 AM6h28Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA4:20 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$821One-way1 transfer
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK5:52 PM6h33Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA12:25 AMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$821One-way1 transfer
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK5:49 AM6h41Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA12:30 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$821One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK9:52 AM6h43Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA4:35 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$821One-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 $52.
Distance: 196 miles (316 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $46 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 $53 (€44).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 57m.
Tickets start at around $53 (€44) compared to roughly $46 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.90 (€-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 tomorrow, Friday, July 3. 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 | 6h41 | 12:30 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 · 4765 AMTRAK | 7:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 7h03 | 2:55 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 | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 9:52 AM Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA | 6h43 | 4:35 PM 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 | |
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.
Jul 03
Jul 04
Jul 05
Jul 06
Jul 07
Jul 08
Jul 09
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 $52 (€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 $52 (€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
Most Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains use the Irvine Station to San Luis Obispo Station station pair, with some services arriving at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office. Use this guide to compare Irvine, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Irvine, CA station do trains to San Luis Obispo, CA leave from?
Getting to Irvine Station from Irvine city centre
Irvine Station is 8 km from Irvine city centre. Public transport options include:
Irvine Station train station facilities and services
Irvine Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Del Frisco's Grille, The Cheesecake Factory
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Irvine Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Irvine Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Irvine Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Irvine Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Irvine Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Marriott Irvine Spectrum, Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum, DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum.
Which San Luis Obispo, CA station do trains from Irvine, CA arrive at?
Getting to San Luis Obispo Station from San Luis Obispo city centre
San Luis Obispo Station train station facilities and services
San Luis Obispo Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Novo Restaurant & Lounge, Firestone Grill
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo Station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Apple Farm Inn, Hotel San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro.
Most popular train connections from Irvine, CA
More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
