The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
8 h
Average duration
8 h 11 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
431 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 $69.
Of the 18 trains that leave San Diego, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Thu, Nov 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 27 the direct trains cover the 431 km distance in an average of 8 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h .
On Thu, Nov 27 the slowest trains will take 8 h 19 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.
761 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
779 Pacific Surfliner
779 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAKTravel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, and a flight costs an average of €86.
Distance: 267 miles (431 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€56 Average price | €203 Average price | €46 Average price Cheapest |
9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 47m Average total duration 8h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h38 | 8:39 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h54 | 8:55 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 8h29 | 8:39 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h51 | 10:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h09 | 10:10 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h24 | 10:25 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h51 | 10:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 8h42 | 10:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 8h42 | 10:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 8h00 | 10:10 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h34 | 12:35 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h19 | 12:20 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 8h10 | 12:20 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
779 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h56 | 5:57 AM 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 San Diego, 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.
Nov 27
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Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Why should you book San Diego to San Luis Obispo trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 (€55) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 16:20. The fastest train covers the 267 miles (431 km) distance in 8h 56m.
Distance 267 miles (431 km) |
Average train duration 8h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€55) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 8h 56m |
First train 03:45 |
Last train 16:20 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA from $36 (€29). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Traveling between San Diego, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA is a scenic journey made convenient by Amtrak. This train connection offers travelers the chance to relax while enjoying picturesque views of California's coastline and countryside. With comfortable seating and onboard amenities, you can sit back and soak in the beauty of your surroundings as you make your way from one vibrant city to another. Whether you're heading for a weekend getaway or exploring new destinations, this route provides an enjoyable travel experience.
Train Connection: San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Traveling from San Diego to San Luis Obispo takes approximately 8 hours and 9 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available each day, departing from Santa Fe Depot and Old Town Station in San Diego and arriving at the San Luis Obispo Station.
San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
The first daily train journey departs from San Diego at 1:01 PM, providing travelers with an afternoon start for their adventure. The last departure of the day leaves San Luis Obispo at 8:10 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day before heading back.
Train Ticket Prices from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between San Diego and San Luis Obispo is $60 (54€). The average ticket price tends to be around $69 (62.1€), providing travelers with a range of options when planning their journey.
Exploring the Rich Heritage and Quirky Attractions of San Luis Obispo
Welcome to San Luis Obispo Mission, founded in 1772 as the fifth of California's historic missions, it played a crucial role in spreading Christianity and agriculture among Native Americans. This beautifully preserved structure not only showcases stunning Spanish colonial architecture but also serves as a reminder of the region’s rich cultural heritage. As you explore its serene gardens and intricate interiors, you'll feel connected to centuries of history that shaped this vibrant community.
Next on our journey is Hearst Castle, an opulent estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947; it's often referred to as "La Cuesta Encantada" or "The Enchanted Hill." The castle boasts breathtaking Mediterranean Revival architecture with lavish rooms filled with art collected from around the world, making it a true testament to luxury and creativity. As we wander through its grand halls and picturesque terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you'll understand why this magnificent property has become one of California's most iconic landmarks.
Finally, let’s take a stroll down Bubblegum Alley—a quirky yet beloved attraction nestled right here in downtown San Luis Obispo. Spanning over 15 feet high along both sides of an alleyway lined with chewed gum left by visitors since the early '70s, this colorful display reflects local culture while inviting playful interaction from tourists like yourself. Don't forget to snap some photos before adding your own piece—it's all part of what makes visiting SLO so uniquely memorable!
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
- 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
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
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