San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 27
+ Add return
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Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 27

Cheapest price

$69

Average price

$88

Fastest journey

8 h 30 m

Average duration

8 h 44 m

Trains per day

16

Distance

431 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.

Fast trains

Of the 16 trains that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Nov 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 27 the direct trains cover the 431 km distance in an average of 8 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 30 m .

On Thu, Nov 27 the slowest trains will take 8 h 53 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.

Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner
06:11AM8h53
San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
03:04PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$691One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner
04:20PM8h44
San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
01:04AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$691One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner
06:11AM8h39
San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
02:50PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA
$691One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner
04:20PM8h30
San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
12:50AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA
$691One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
03:40PM9h24
San Luis Obispo, CA
01:04AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$771One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, 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 1h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €24, and a flight costs an average of €85.

Distance: 267 miles (431 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€57

Average price

€242

Average price

€50

Average price

Cheapest

9h 20m

Average total duration

8h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

8h 25m

Average total duration

7h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 9:59 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner10:40 PM San Luis Obispo, CA
10h24
9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner11:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
9h13
8:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner11:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
9h27
9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
Thursday, November 27
amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner12:20 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
8h30
8:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner12:20 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
8h44
9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner11:45 AM San Luis Obispo, CA
9h22
9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner12:00 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
8h53
8:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner12:00 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
9h07
9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner2:11 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
8h53
11:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner2:11 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
8h39
10:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner6:15 PM San Luis Obispo, CA
9h49
4:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner6:35 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
9h15
3:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4784 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner6:35 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
9h29
4:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner9:20 PM San Luis Obispo, CA
9h44
7:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner9:35 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
9h13
6:48 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner9:35 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
9h29
7:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer

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 San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight

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Why should you book San Luis Obispo to San Diego trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA

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Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) by bus.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 267 miles (431 km) distance in 8h 40m.

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 $30 (€24)
Distance
267 miles (431 km)
Average train duration
8h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$61 (€50)
Trains per day
15
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
8h 40m
First train
03:45
Last train
16:40
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 $30 (€24)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Luis Obispo, CA and San Diego, CA from $30 (€24). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 40m
Cheapest Price
$68 (€55)
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA

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

FAQs
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
There is no high speed train available from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA.
A day trip from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the one-way travel duration is 8h 40m. Trains operate 15 times per day for this journey, covering a distance of 267 miles (431 km).
Yes, the train journey from San Luis Obispo to San Diego is considered scenic as it offers views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque coastal towns, and rolling hills, providing a pleasant visual experience along California’s coastline.
Yes, there is a direct train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Train ticket prices from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $61 (€50), while the average price is around $70 (€57).
The distance by train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA is 267 miles (431 km).
The cheapest way to get from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $30 (€24).
The first train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:45 AM.
The train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA takes 8h 40m and runs 15 per day.
The last train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:40 PM.
The train station in San Luis Obispo, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA

San Luis Obispo
San Diego
The major train station for departures in San Luis Obispo is San Luis Obispo Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Luis Obispo Station for your trip from San Luis Obispo to San Diego.
San Luis Obispo StationWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
Dining
Dining
  • Novo Restaurant & Lounge
  • Firestone Grill
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Apple Farm Inn
  • Hotel San Luis Obispo
  • Granada Hotel & Bistro
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a single platform with a waiting area and ticketing services.
Public transit options for San Luis Obispo Station
  • Bus: SLO Transit Route 1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5
  • RTA Route 9
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office
information

Most popular trains to and from San Diego, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego, CASan Luis Obispo, CA to San Diego, CA train

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