- Recommended
History Center of San Luis Obispo County
Regional history museum in a restored Carnegie Library with exhibits on Indigenous communities, ranching, rail, and town life.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around zł 237 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł 237.
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 1 trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct trains cover the 130 km distance in an average of 2 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 37 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest trains will take 2 h 37 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 Starlight
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14 Coast Starlight
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Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł 107 but you can travel from only zł 68 by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:11, the last at 19:16. The fastest train covers the 80 miles (130 km) distance in 2h 28m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
777 Pacific Surfliner | 5:48 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 3h04 | 8:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 6:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 2h50 | 8:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, October 30 | |||||
14 Coast Starlight | 12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h37 | 2:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of San Luis Obispo, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Luis Obispo, CA trip today.
Regional history museum in a restored Carnegie Library with exhibits on Indigenous communities, ranching, rail, and town life.
Rail museum by the station with model layouts, restored equipment, and hands-on displays for families and train enthusiasts.
Children’s museum downtown with interactive science, art, and play exhibits designed for younger visitors and family outings.
Downtown creekside park with lawns, paths, public art, and regular community events in the center of the city.
Popular local peak with a short but steep trail, broad city views, and sunset scenery close to downtown.
Compact downtown district with shops, historic facades, galleries, and walkable streets linking major sights and events.
Tri-tip barbecue is Central Coast's signature beef cut, oak-grilled and sliced. It is a regional staple tied to Santa Maria-style cookouts nearby.
Santa Maria-style beans are pink beans simmered with bacon, ham, and spices. They commonly accompany local barbecue across the Central Coast.
Abalone is a historic Central Coast seafood, often pan-fried or breaded. It reflects the area's coastal harvest traditions and old California cuisine.
Long-running seafood house near downtown with oysters, chowder, and fish dishes. Relaxed classic atmosphere focused on fresh coastal fare.
Lively downtown grill known for oak-fired tri-tip, steaks, and seafood. Casual, historic setting and a classic place to try Central Coast barbecue.
Refined downtown restaurant serving contemporary Californian dishes and cocktails. Stylish atmosphere suited to a more upscale dinner.
Moderate for California. Hotels and dining cost more than smaller inland towns, but transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screens.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to San Luis Obispo Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Goleta Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
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.
Check train stations information for Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.