- Must visit
Palm Springs Art Museum
A leading Palm Springs museum with modern and contemporary art, architecture, and rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
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
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.
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.


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)
| 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) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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).
Other travel options to Palm Springs, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 13m.
Train takes on average 8h 10m.
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 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.
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.
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 |
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.
A leading Palm Springs museum with modern and contemporary art, architecture, and rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
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A scenic downtown shopping and walking street lined with public art, patios, boutiques, and mountain views.
A dramatic desert canyon on tribal land with trails, a palm oasis, and striking rock formations near the city.
A celebrated residential area known for preserved mid-century homes and self-guided architecture sightseeing.
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.

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.
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.
Palm Springs Station is 7 km from Palm Springs city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Palm Springs Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Palm Springs Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Palm Springs Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need