The cheapest and fastest trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA
Cheapest price
$60
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
6 h 26 m
Average duration
6 h 26 m
Trains per day
1
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 $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for Oakland, CA on Wed, Jul 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct trains cover the 315 km distance in an average of 6 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 26 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 6 h 26 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 Starlight3:05 PM6h26San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA9:31 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$601One-way0 transfers
14 Coast Starlight3:05 PM6h26San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA9:31 PMEmeryville station, Emeryville, CA$601One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA
Omio 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 prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 17m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $466.
Distance: 195 miles (315 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $466 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 17m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m 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 | - 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 Oakland, CA:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $59 (€59).
A bus is $410 (€410) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $466 (€466).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 54m.
Train takes on average 6h 7m.
Tickets start at around $59 (€59) compared to roughly $37 (€37) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.45 (€-21.45). 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.
Live departures
San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 Coast Starlight | 3:05 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 6h26 | 9:31 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, 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.
Jul 22
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA
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 $39 (€39) but you can travel from only $37 (€37) 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 $39 (€39) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 1m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Luis Obispo, CA and Oakland, CA from $37 (€37). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA
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.
Which San Luis Obispo, CA station do trains to Oakland, CA leave from?
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.
Which Oakland, CA station do trains from San Luis Obispo, CA arrive at?
Getting to Jack London Square from Oakland city centre
Jack London Square is 1 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Jack London Square train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Yoshi's Oakland, Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Jack London Square. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Jack London Square. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Jack London Square: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Jack London Square: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Jack London Square: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Waterfront Hotel, Z Hotel Jack London Square, Executive Inn & Suites.
Getting to Coliseum/Airport from Oakland city centre
Coliseum/Airport is 8 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Coliseum/Airport train station facilities and services
Coliseum/Airport has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Bike and car services
Available at Coliseum/Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Most popular train connections from San Luis Obispo, CA
More options for your journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to Oakland, CA
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