- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
€49
Average price
€49
Fastest journey
5 h 32 m
Average duration
5 h 32 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around €49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.
Of the 2 trains that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Wed, Aug 26, 2 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 260 km distance in an average of 5 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 32 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest trains will take 5 h 32 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €191.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€48 Average price | €39 Average price Cheapest | €256 Average price | €31 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is €10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average €48.
A bus is €217 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average €256.
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 53m.
Train takes on average 5h 34m.
Tickets start at around €48 compared to roughly €31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-17.17. The journey takes 5h 34m 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.
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
774 Pacific Surfliner | 6:11 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 5h32 | 11:43 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 9:30 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 6h15 | 3:45 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 9:50 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 5h55 | 3:45 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 12:15 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 5h35 | 5:50 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 1:30 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 6h13 | 7:43 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 3:30 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 6h16 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight | 3:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 5h34 | 9:11 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 4:17 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 5h29 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €34 but you can travel from only €24 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 5h 32m.
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average train duration 5h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price €34 |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 32m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 7:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Luis Obispo, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains use the San Luis Obispo Station to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
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 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free WiFi is available at the station. ATMs are available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office.
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office.
Available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office: Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need