- Recommended
Mission San Luis Obispo Museum
Compact mission museum with religious art, artefacts and exhibits that explain the city’s Spanish colonial origins.
Cheapest price on 01 Oct
£46
Average ticket price on 01 Oct
£55
Fastest journey on 01 Oct
5 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 01 Oct
5 h 9 m
Trains on 01 Oct
8
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
On Thu 01 Oct, we found 8 trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 5 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 24 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.
765 Pacific Surfliner
757 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 Connecting Bus
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 Connecting Bus
14 Coast Starlight
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 Connecting Bus
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 Connecting Bus
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 Connecting Bus
765 Pacific SurflinerThe table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for today, Wednesday 30 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
777 Pacific Surfliner | 15:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h39 | 20:52 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 Connecting Bus | 19:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h12 | 0:25 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 change | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 Connecting Bus | 19:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h27 | 0:40 San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 change | |
| Thursday 1 October | |||||
757 Pacific Surfliner | 5:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h40 | 10:53 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 Connecting Bus | 7:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h02 | 12:15 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 change | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 9:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h24 | 14:37 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 9:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h39 | 14:52 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 change | |
14 Coast Starlight | 9:51 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h01 | 14:52 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 Connecting Bus | 11:13 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 5h07 | 16:20 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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.
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 260 km distance in 4h 51m.
Distance 260 km |
Average train duration 5h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 51m |
First train 3:45 |
Last train 19:59 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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.
Compact mission museum with religious art, artefacts and exhibits that explain the city’s Spanish colonial origins.
Local history museum in a nineteenth-century residence, presenting exhibitions on regional culture, families and everyday life.
Contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists in an accessible downtown setting.
Long creekside promenade linking downtown sights, public art and shaded paths. Ideal for an easy walk through the city centre.
Lively downtown alley known for layered chewing-gum displays. A quirky local stop close to the main shopping streets.
Broad downtown street lined with shops, cinemas and historic façades. A practical base for strolling and exploring central San Luis Obispo.
Santa Maria-style barbecue is Central Coast beef tri-tip grilled over red oak and served simply. It is a regional staple closely tied to local ranching and community cookouts.
Tri-tip sandwich layers slices of smoky Santa Maria beef on bread, often with salsa or barbecue sauce. It is a beloved casual lunch across the Central Coast.
Abalone was historically fished along the Central Coast and remains an iconic local seafood, usually pan-fried or lightly breaded. It reflects the area’s coastal food heritage.
Refined farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal Central Coast ingredients, thoughtful wine pairings, and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Historic casual spot famous for barbecue tri-tip sandwiches and hearty Central Coast comfort food in a lively local setting.
Established downtown restaurant serving fresh seafood, steaks, and oyster bar favourites in a classic, comfortable atmosphere.
Moderate for California: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller US towns, but cheaper than San Francisco or Los Angeles. A car often adds to visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or $1 at cafés for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains use the Union Station to San Luis Obispo Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Northridge Station is 34 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Northridge Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility and WC.
Food and drink options are available at Northridge Station.
Available at Northridge Station: WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Northridge Station.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need