The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
2 h 31 m
Average duration
2 h 41 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
130 km
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 $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 3 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Wed, Mar 18, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Mar 18 the direct trains cover the 130 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 31 m .
On Wed, Mar 18 the slowest trains will take 2 h 50 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.






Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $30.
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$37 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest |
3h 12m Average total duration 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for today, Tuesday, March 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h50 | 9:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 3h08 | 9:55 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 7:03 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 2h34 | 9:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight | 7:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h31 | 9:52 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, March 18 | |||||
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:48 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 3h04 | 3:52 AM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 1:09 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 2h43 | 3:52 AM 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
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train or bus
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.
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€25) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
There are 5 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 31m.
Distance 80 miles (130 km) |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€25) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 31m |
First train 06:11 |
Last train 19:16 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Lark
- Santo Mezcal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hotel Californian
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- Novo Restaurant & Lounge
- Firestone Grill
- Outside the main entrance.
- $1
- Apple Farm Inn
- Hotel San Luis Obispo
- Granada Hotel & Bistro
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a single platform with a waiting area and ticketing services.
- Bus: SLO Transit Route 1A, 1B, 3, 4, 5
- RTA Route 9
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
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