The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
6 h 45 m
Average duration
6 h 45 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
319 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Wed, Aug 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 6 h 45 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.
11 Coast Starlight8:39 AM6h45Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA3:24 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$831One-way0 transfers
11 Coast Starlight8:39 AM6h45Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA3:24 PMSan Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA$831One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $252.
Distance: 198 miles (319 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$90 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $403 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 14m Average total duration 6h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $90.
A bus is $341 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $403.
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 13m.
Train takes on average 6h 44m.
Tickets start at around $90 compared to roughly $49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-41.41. The journey takes 6h 44m versus 3h 29m 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
San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight | 8:39 AM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 6h45 | 3:24 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 San Francisco, 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.
Aug 26
Aug 27
Aug 28
Aug 29
Aug 30
Aug 31
Sep 01
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 but you can travel from only $35 by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 198 miles (319 km) distance in 6h 45m.
Distance 198 miles (319 km) |
Average train duration 6h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 45m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak, Caltrain from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trainsAmtrak, Caltrain trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA from $35. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Caltrain
FAQs: Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Most San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains use the Emeryville Station to San Luis Obispo Station station pair, with some services arriving at Grover Beach Station. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA station do trains to San Luis Obispo, CA leave from?
Getting to San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) from San Francisco city centre
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) train station facilities and services
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants are accessible in the vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
WiFi available at surrounding public areas. ATMs are aTMs available in nearby buildings.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Station is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Which San Luis Obispo, CA station do trains from San Francisco, 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.
Getting to San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office from San Luis Obispo city centre
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office is 1 km from San Luis Obispo city centre. Public transport options include:
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office train station facilities and services
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available at the station. ATMs are available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office: Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Most popular train connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
