Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train with Amtrak

Sun, Dec 14
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$39

Average price

$39

Fastest journey

2 h 41 m

Average duration

2 h 41 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

130 km

Cheap tickets

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 $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Tue, Dec 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 16 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 41 m .

On Tue, Dec 16 the slowest trains will take 2 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.

Amtrak
04:58PM2h41
Santa Barbara, CA
07:39PMSan Luis Obispo, CA
$391One-way
0 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 prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €23.

Distance: 80 miles (130 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€31

Average price

€24

Average price

Cheapest

3h 13m

Average total duration

2h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:50 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4:58 PM Santa Barbara, CA
2h41
7:39 PM San Luis Obispo, CA0 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.

Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22

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

Amtrak operates all train services from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo. 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo.

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 and bus to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) but you can travel from only $23 (€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.

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 $23 (€18)
Distance
80 miles (130 km)
Average train duration
2h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
$29 (€23)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
2h 28m
First train
06:11
Last train
19:16
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 $23 (€18)

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 $23 (€18). 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
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
Amtrak frequency
5 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 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.

FAQs
To fully enjoy San Luis Obispo, CA, plan for a 2-3 day stay, which allows time to explore local attractions such as downtown shops, hiking trails, nearby beaches, and the famous Hearst Castle.
Yes, the train journey from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque coastal landscapes, and charming towns along the way.
A day trip from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 28m. However, there are 6 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 80 miles (130 km).
The distance by train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is 80 miles (130 km).
In San Luis Obispo, CA, you can stroll through Downtown SLO, enjoy a performance at the historic Fremont Theater, or visit the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. Explore the local wineries in the Edna Valley wine region or discover the natural beauty of Montana de Oro State Park. Best sights include Bubblegum Alley, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and Bishop Peak. You can also visit the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art or relax at Avila Beach.
Train ticket prices from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $29 (€23), while the average price is around $39 (€31).
The train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA takes 2h 28m and runs 6 per day.
The train station in Santa Barbara, CA that goes to San Luis Obispo, CA is Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA, which connects to San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $23 (€18).
The last train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA leaves at 7:16 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
The first train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA leaves at 6:11 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Santa Barbara
San Luis Obispo
The major train station for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara Station for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo.
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
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
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Dining
Dining
  • The Lark
  • Santo Mezcal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Californian
  • Harbor View Inn
  • Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
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 main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
Public transit options for Santa Barbara Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
Goleta StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
Dining
Dining
  • The Habit Burger Grill
  • Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
  • Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the platform
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
Public transit options for Goleta Station
  • Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
Santa Barbara, University of California
information

Most popular trains to and from San Luis Obispo, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Luis Obispo, CASanta Barbara, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train

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