- Must visit
Oakland Museum of California
Major art museum focused on California history, art, and social impact, with strong collections and a lively modern campus.
Cheapest price on Sep 09
$90
Average ticket price on Sep 09
$99
Fastest journey on Sep 09
6 h 1 m
Average journey duration on Sep 09
8 h 26 m
Trains on Sep 09
2
Distance
315 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
On Wed, Sep 09, we found 2 trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 09 the direct trains cover the 315 km distance in an average of 8 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 1 m .
On Wed, Sep 09 the slowest trains will take 10 h 51 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.
14 Coast Starlight
6238 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight
14 Coast Starlight
6238 AMTRAK · 14 Coast StarlightOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $61 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 25m. 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 $61, while a train costs an average of $89.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$89 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 26m 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $89 (€72).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 7m.
Tickets start at around $89 (€72) compared to roughly $47 (€38) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-42.20 (€-34.12). The journey takes 6h 7m versus 3h 26m 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 Oakland, CA trains for today, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6238 AMTRAK · 14 Coast Starlight | 10:15 AM San Luis Obispo, CA | 10h51 | 9:06 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight | 3:05 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 6h01 | 9:06 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, 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 San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 6h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $72 (€58) but you can travel from only $38 (€30) 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 1m.
Distance 195 miles (315 km) |
Average train duration 6h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€58) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 1m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Oakland, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Oakland, CA trip today.
Major art museum focused on California history, art, and social impact, with strong collections and a lively modern campus.
Independent museum preserving Black Panther Party history through photographs, artifacts, and community-centered interpretation in West Oakland.
Children's museum and cultural center with hands-on exhibits celebrating Black creativity, history, and family learning experiences.
Beloved urban lake ringed by paths, gardens, and skyline views, ideal for walking, birdwatching, and experiencing everyday Oakland life.
Waterfront promenade and marina district with bay views, sailing activity, and sunset walks near Oakland's western edge.
Large hillside park with redwoods, trails, and picnic areas, offering a peaceful escape and classic East Bay outdoor scenery.
Smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, reflecting Oakland’s strong barbecue culture shaped by Southern Black migration and longtime neighborhood smokehouses.
A tangy, mayo-based cabbage side commonly served with Oakland barbecue. It is a staple pairing at local smokehouses and cookouts.
Crisp fried chicken often served with waffles or sides, tied to Oakland’s soul food tradition and beloved at classic neighborhood restaurants.
Refined tasting-menu restaurant highlighting seasonal California ingredients with polished service and an elegant, modern dining room.
Longtime Ethiopian restaurant praised for injera platters, stews, and traditional coffee in a welcoming, community-focused space.
Celebrated Oakland Chinatown destination for handmade noodles and dumplings in a busy, casual setting with strong local following.
Oakland is moderate for US cities: lodging is often high, but dining and BART or buses are usually cheaper than in San Francisco.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA trains use the San Luis Obispo Station to Jack London Square station pair, with some services arriving at Emeryville Station. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and Oakland, 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.
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.
Coliseum/Airport is 8 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Coliseum/Airport has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Available at Coliseum/Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need