The cheapest and fastest trains from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
8 h 22 m
Average duration
9 h 1 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
315 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 3 trains that leave Oakland, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Fri, May 08, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 08 the direct trains cover the 315 km distance in an average of 9 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 22 m .
On Fri, May 08 the slowest trains will take 10 h 6 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.
5:09 PM10h06Oakland, CA3:15 AMSan Luis Obispo, CA$861One-way0 transfers
4:08 PM8h22Oakland, CA12:30 AMSan Luis Obispo, CA$941One-way0 transfers
3:55 PM8h35Oakland, CA12:30 AMSan Luis Obispo, CA$1011One-way0 transfers
4:08 PM8h22Oakland, CA12:30 AMSan Luis Obispo, CA$941One-way0 transfers
3:55 PM8h35Oakland, CA12:30 AMSan Luis Obispo, CA$1011One-way0 transfers
5:09 PM10h06Oakland, CA3:15 AMSan Luis Obispo, CA$861One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 8m. 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 train costs an average of $48, and a bus costs an average of $45.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $80 (€64).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 15m.
Tickets start at around $76 (€61) compared to roughly $47 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.27 (€-23.39). The journey takes 6h 15m versus 3h 23m 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
Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:09 PM Oakland, CA | 6h15 | 11:24 PM 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 Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Trains from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 195 miles (315 km) distance in 6h 15m.
Distance 195 miles (315 km) |
Average train duration 6h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 15m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Oakland, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA from $45 (€36). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking lots in the vicinity.
- Yoshi's Oakland
- Scott's Seafood Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Waterfront Hotel
- Z Hotel Jack London Square
- Executive Inn & Suites
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
- Bus: AC Transit lines 12, 72, 72M
- Ferry: San Francisco Bay Ferry
- 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 Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

