The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$36
Fastest journey on Sep 15
2 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
2 h 41 m
Trains on Sep 15
4
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 $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 4 trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 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 Tue, Sep 15 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.
7:21 PM2h31Santa Barbara, CA9:52 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$321One-way0 transfers
8:21 PM2h31Santa Barbara, CA10:52 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$361One-way0 transfers
7:47 PM2h50Santa Barbara, CA10:37 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$381One-way0 transfers
6:47 PM2h50Santa Barbara, CA9:37 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$381One-way0 transfers
8:21 PM2h31Santa Barbara, CA10:52 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$361One-way0 transfers
7:21 PM2h31Santa Barbara, CA9:52 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$321One-way0 transfers
7:47 PM2h50Santa Barbara, CA10:37 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$381One-way0 transfers
6:47 PM2h50Santa Barbara, CA9:37 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$381One-way0 transfers
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 an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 2h 17m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, while a train costs an average of $44.
Distance: 80 miles (130 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A bus is $13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $44.
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 43m.
Tickets start at around $44 compared to roughly $19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.09. The journey takes 2h 43m versus 1h 35m 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.
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, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
765 Pacific Surfliner | 11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h53 | 2:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 3h11 | 2:55 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 12:00 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 2h37 | 2:37 PM San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | |
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 | |
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.
Sep 15
Sep 16
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
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 5 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 but you can travel from only $18 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 28m.
Distance 80 miles (130 km) |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 28m |
First train 6:11 AM |
Last train 7:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 $18. 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
Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to San Luis Obispo Station station pair, with some services arriving at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office. 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.
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do trains to San Luis Obispo, CA leave from?
Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Santa Barbara Station 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 and drink
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Getting to Goleta Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Goleta Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Which San Luis Obispo, CA station do trains from Santa Barbara, CA arrive at?
Getting to San Luis Obispo Station from San Luis Obispo city centre
San Luis Obispo Station 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 and drink
Food options include: Novo Restaurant & Lounge, Firestone Grill
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at San Luis Obispo Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at San Luis Obispo Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo Station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Apple Farm Inn, Hotel San Luis Obispo, Granada Hotel & Bistro.
Getting to San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office from San Luis Obispo city centre
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office is 1 km from San Luis Obispo city centre. Public transport options include:
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office train station facilities and services
San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi is available at the station. ATMs are available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Ticket Office: Station is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA
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