- Recommended
History Center of San Luis Obispo County
Regional history museum in a restored Carnegie Library with exhibits on Indigenous communities, ranching, rail, and town life.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$61
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$79
Fastest journey on Sep 20
6 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
7 h 19 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
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 $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 315 km distance in an average of 7 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 8 h 22 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.




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 bus, with an average ticket price of $63 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 34m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $63, while a train costs an average of $91.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$91 Average price | $63 Average price Cheapest | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 45m Average total duration 6h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 5h 4m 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 bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $91 (€74).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 15m.
Tickets start at around $91 (€74) compared to roughly $46 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-44.96 (€-36.78). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:08 PM Oakland, CA | 8h22 | 11:30 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:09 PM Oakland, CA | 6h15 | 10:24 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 train and bus 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.
Trains from Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) 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 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 15m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of San Luis Obispo, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Luis Obispo, CA trip today.
Regional history museum in a restored Carnegie Library with exhibits on Indigenous communities, ranching, rail, and town life.
Rail museum by the station with model layouts, restored equipment, and hands-on displays for families and train enthusiasts.
Children’s museum downtown with interactive science, art, and play exhibits designed for younger visitors and family outings.
Downtown creekside park with lawns, paths, public art, and regular community events in the center of the city.
Popular local peak with a short but steep trail, broad city views, and sunset scenery close to downtown.
Compact downtown district with shops, historic facades, galleries, and walkable streets linking major sights and events.
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.

Most Oakland, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains use the Jack London Square to San Luis Obispo Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Oakland, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Jack London Square is 1 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Jack London Square has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Yoshi's Oakland, Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Jack London Square. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Jack London Square. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Jack London Square: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Jack London Square: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jack London Square: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Waterfront Hotel, Z Hotel Jack London Square, Executive Inn & Suites.
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 options include: Novo Restaurant & Lounge, Firestone Grill
Free.
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo Station.
Nearby hotels include Apple Farm Inn, Hotel San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need