The cheapest and fastest trains from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Cheapest price
$440
Average price
$440
Fastest journey
1 d 4 h 41 m
Average duration
1 d 4 h 41 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1339 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around $440 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $440.
Of the 1 trains that leave Tacoma, WA for San Luis Obispo, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 1339 km distance in an average of 1 d 4 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 4 h 41 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 1 d 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.
10:43 AM28h41Tacoma, WA3:24 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$4401One-way0 transfers
10:43 AM28h41Tacoma, WA3:24 PMSan Luis Obispo, CA$4401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $197. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $197, and a flight costs an average of $460.
Distance: 832 miles (1339 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$250 Average price Cheapest | $461 Average price | $433 Average price | $200 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
29h 16m Average total duration 28h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 47m Average total duration Fastest 5h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 47h 25m Average total duration 46h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA:
A train is $183 (€150) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $433 (€354).
A train is $211 (€173) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA costing on average $461 (€377).
Other travel options to San Luis Obispo, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 28h 46m.
Bus takes on average 46h 55m.
Tickets start at around $250 (€204) compared to roughly $200 (€164) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-49.48 (€-40.50). The journey takes 28h 46m versus 15h 8m 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
Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:43 AM Tacoma, WA | 28h41 | 3:24 PM 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 Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Trains from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 28h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $197 (€161) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 14:15, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 832 miles (1339 km) distance in 29h 7m.
Distance 832 miles (1339 km) |
Average train duration 28h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $197 (€161) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 29h 7m |
First train 2:15 PM |
Last train 3:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Amtrak from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Tacoma, WA and San Luis Obispo, CA from $197 (€161). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tacoma, WA 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 Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station with designated spots for Amtrak passengers
- The Melting Pot
- Pacific Grill
- Outside the main entrance
- Ramps
- $0.50
- Hotel Murano
- Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Sounder trains
- Bus: Several lines available
- Light Rail: Tacoma Link
- 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
Most popular train connections from Tacoma, WA
More options for your journey from Tacoma, WA to San Luis Obispo, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
