San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 20
+ Add return
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 20

Cheapest price

$87

Average price

$90

Fastest journey

6 h 45 m

Average duration

7 h 42 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

319 km

Cheap tickets

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 $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Thu, Nov 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 20 the direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 7 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .

On Thu, Nov 20 the slowest trains will take 8 h 39 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.

Amtrak
03:39PM6h45
San Francisco, CA
10:24PMSan Luis Obispo, CA
$871One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
02:46PM8h39
San Francisco, CA
11:25PMSan Luis Obispo, CA
$931One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Omio recommends booking the train 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 €22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €22, and a flight costs an average of €80.

Distance: 198 miles (319 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€57

Average price

€46

Average price

Cheapest

€259

Average price

7h 15m

Average total duration

6h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 40m

Average total duration

5h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Sky West Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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, Wednesday, November 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:42 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak2:46 PM San Francisco, CA
8h39
11:25 PM San Luis Obispo, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak3:39 PM San Francisco, CA
6h45
10:24 PM San Luis Obispo, CA0 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.

Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:11, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 198 miles (319 km) distance in 6h 45m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27 (€22)
Distance
198 miles (319 km)
Average train duration
6h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
$49 (€40)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
6h 45m
First train
06:11
Last train
15:05
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $27 (€22)

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 $27 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 41m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Caltrain

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 29m
Cheapest Price
$114 (€92)
Caltrain frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
To fully enjoy San Luis Obispo, CA, plan for a 2-3 day stay, which allows time to explore local attractions such as downtown shops, hiking trails, nearby beaches, and the famous Hearst Castle.
In San Luis Obispo, CA, you can stroll through Downtown SLO, enjoy a performance at the historic Fremont Theater, or visit the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. Explore the local wineries in the Edna Valley wine region or discover the natural beauty of Montana de Oro State Park. Best sights include Bubblegum Alley, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and Bishop Peak. You can also visit the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art or relax at Avila Beach.
A day trip from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is not feasible, as the journey takes 6h 45m. Trains operate with a frequency of 7 per day over a distance of 198 miles (319 km).
The train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA takes 6h 45m and runs 7 per day.
Train ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $49 (€40), while the average price is around $70 (€57).
The last train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA leaves at 3:05 PM.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $27 (€22).
The first train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA leaves at 6:11 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Yes, the train journey from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo is considered scenic, offering views of California's coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes. Passengers can enjoy sights of the Pacific Ocean, vineyards, and the rugged natural beauty of the region along the way.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The distance by train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is 198 miles (319 km).
The train station in San Francisco, CA that goes to San Luis Obispo, CA is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, which connects to San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA.
There is no high speed train available from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

San Francisco
San Luis Obispo
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

Most popular trains to and from San Luis Obispo, CA and San Francisco, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Luis Obispo, CASan Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train

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