San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA train with Amtrak

Sun, Sep 20
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$663

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$663

Fastest journey on Sep 20

8 h 59 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

8 h 59 m

Trains on Sep 20

1

Distance

410 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA will cost around $663 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $663.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA, including 1 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 410 km distance in an average of 8 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 59 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 8 h 59 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
    11:37 PM8h59
    San Luis Obispo, CA
    8:36 AMPalm Springs, CA
    $6631One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $70 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, while a flight costs an average of $548.

Distance: 254 miles (410 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$114

Average price

$548

Average price

$70

Average price

Cheapest

$61

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

8h 40m

Average total duration

8h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 38m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

7h 43m

Average total duration

7h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 55m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Amtrak

Most popular train company

United

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA is a bus with an average price of $70 (€58).

This is compared to other travel options from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA:

A bus is $44 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA costing on average $114 (€93).

A bus is $478 (€391) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA costing on average $548 (€448).

The fastest way to travel from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 38m.

Other travel options to Palm Springs, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 13m.

Train takes on average 8h 10m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Luis Obispo, CA and Palm Springs, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $114 (€93) compared to roughly $61 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-53.59 (€-43.82). The journey takes 8h 10m versus 4h 55m 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.

Compare prices and tickets San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $110 (€90) but you can travel from only $47 (€38) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 02:02, the last at 15:37. The fastest train covers the 254 miles (410 km) distance in 8h 10m.

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 $47 (€38)
Distance
254 miles (410 km)
Average train duration
8h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
$110 (€90)
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
8h 10m
First train
2:02 AM
Last train
3:37 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Best time to book
28 days
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 $47 (€38)

Complete guide to Palm Springs, CA

Things to do in Palm Springs, CA

Discover the best of Palm Springs, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palm Springs, CA trip today.

  • Must visit

Palm Springs Art Museum

A leading Palm Springs museum with modern and contemporary art, architecture, and rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.

  • Must visit

Palm Springs Air Museum

A compact aviation museum with vintage aircraft, exhibits, and stories from military and civil flight history.

  • Recommended

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

A small local museum on Agua Caliente history and culture, featuring artifacts and interpretation near downtown.

FAQs: Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $110 (€90), while the average price is around $114 (€93).
The train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA runs once a day and takes approximately 8h 10m.
The first train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA leaves at 2:02 AM.
The distance by train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA is 254 miles (410 km).
The last train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA leaves at 3:37 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $47 (€38).
The train journey from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA offers scenic views, including coastal landscapes, rolling hills, and desert scenery, making it a visually appealing route for travelers.
A day trip from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 8h 10m. The distance is 254 miles (410 km), and there are 5 train trips available per day.
In Palm Springs, CA, you can explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, enjoy golfing at world-class courses, stroll through the lively Palm Springs VillageFest, and relax at luxurious spas. For breathtaking sights, consider the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Joshua Tree National Park, the Palm Springs Art Museum, Indian Canyons, and Moorten Botanical Garden.
To fully enjoy Palm Springs, CA, and its offerings, plan for a 3 to 4-day visit to explore its attractions, including Joshua Tree National Park, the Aerial Tramway, and local museums.
No, you cannot take the train from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
Since neither San Luis Obispo, CA nor Palm Springs, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Palm Springs, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers or ride-share services and unauthorized street vendors. It's advisable to use official transportation options and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night. Additionally, travelers should be mindful of heat-related risks during summer months.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA

Most San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA trains use the San Luis Obispo Station to Palm Springs Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and Palm Springs, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in San Luis Obispo
Arrival train stations in Palm Springs

Which San Luis Obispo, CA station do trains to Palm Springs, CA leave from?

Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA leave from San Luis Obispo Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from San Luis Obispo, CA city centre at 1011 Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA.
San Luis Obispo Station1011 Railroad Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to San Luis Obispo Station from San Luis Obispo city centre

Bus3A · 3m · $2 · every ~2 min

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.

Most popular train connections to Palm Springs, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Palm Springs, CASan Luis Obispo, CA to Palm Springs, CA train

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