- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with interactive exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome Theater. A strong family-friendly stop and one of the city’s signature museum
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
4 h 41 m
Average duration
4 h 41 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
Of the 2 trains that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for San Jose, CA on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 4 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 41 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 41 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 train as it is the most popular option from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$83 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $83 (€68).
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 55m.
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to San Jose, CA trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:00 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 11h14 | 3:14 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 11h14 | 4:14 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 4h41 | 2:46 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:05 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 4h41 | 3:46 AM San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 4h 41m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 4h 41m |
First train 12:30 AM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of San Jose — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose trip today.
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with interactive exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome Theater. A strong family-friendly stop and one of the city’s signature museum
Distinctive museum with one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America. Its architecture and mummy exhibits make it especially popular with first-time visit
The estate includes museum-style historical exhibits about Sarah Winchester and the property, complementing the guided house tour. A popular heritage experience with strong visitor interest.
Stylish mixed-use district known for palm-lined streets, upscale storefronts, and lively atmosphere. One of the most photographed and socially popular areas in the city.
Core urban district with museums, plazas, theaters, light rail access, and a growing event scene. The best base for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of the city.
Beautiful public garden famed for its seasonal rose displays and photogenic layout. Popular with locals for walks and social media-friendly snapshots.
Fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup that is especially popular in East San Jose, reflecting the city’s large Vietnamese community and local food culture.
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette with pickled vegetables, herbs, and savory fillings; a signature everyday bite in San Jose.
A San Jose taqueria favorite: a burrito paired with the city’s cult orange taco sauce, a local staple with a creamy, spicy kick.
An upscale Portuguese restaurant recognized for refined cooking, polished service, and a destination-worthy fine dining experience.
A long-running downtown institution known for Italian American comfort food, steaks, and a classic old-school atmosphere.
A famous casual San Jose landmark celebrated for falafel, gyros, and its well-known banana shake in a retro drive-in setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but Silicon Valley costs make daily travel relatively expensive.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Luis Obispo, CA to San Jose, CA trains use the San Luis Obispo Station to San José Diridon Station station pair, with some services arriving at Santa Clara Station. Use this guide to compare San Luis Obispo, CA and San Jose, 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 José Diridon Station is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José Diridon Station has practical services for this route, including 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: The Farmers Union, Poor House Bistro, La Victoria Taqueria
ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at San José Diridon Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at San José Diridon Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San José Diridon Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San José Diridon Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José Diridon Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel De Anza, The Westin San Jose, AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown.
Santa Clara Station is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Clara Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, and WC.
Food and drink options are available at Santa Clara Station.
ATMs are available at Santa Clara Station.
Available at Santa Clara Station: Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Clara Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need