San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train with Amtrak

Thu 12 Feb
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Showing times and prices for 12 Feb

Cheapest price

£45

Average price

£57

Fastest journey

6 h 45 m

Average duration

7 h 29 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

319 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for San Luis Obispo, CA every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 319 km distance in an average of 7 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .

The slowest trains will take 8 h 12 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.

Amtrak11 Coast Starlight
08:396h45
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
15:24San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
£451One-way
0 changes
Amtrak710 Gold Runner · 4010 AMTRAK
08:188h12
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
16:30San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA
£701One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, and a flight costs an average of £139.

Distance: 319 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£60

Average Price

£57

Average Price

Cheapest

£299

Average Price

7h 15m

Average total duration

6h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 42m

Average total duration

5h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Sky West Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trains for tomorrow, Thursday 12 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 23:32
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak710 Gold Runner · 4010 AMTRAK16:18 Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
8h12
00:30 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA1 change
amtrak11 Coast Starlight16:39 Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
6h45
23:24 San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA by train, coach or flight

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.

Thu
12 Feb
Fri
13 Feb
Sat
14 Feb
Sun
15 Feb
Mon
16 Feb
Tue
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Wed
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Thu
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Journey information

Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 6h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:11, the last at 15:05. The fastest train covers the 319 km distance in 6h 45m.

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
Coach from £20
Distance
319 km
Average train duration
6h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
£36
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
6h 45m
First train
06:11
Last train
15:05
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
Coach from £20

Train companies: Amtrak, Caltrain from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA trainsAmtrak, Caltrain trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA from £20. 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
5h 41m
Cheapest Price
£20
Amtrak frequency
3 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

Caltrain

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 29m
Cheapest Price
£84
Caltrain frequency
1 a day

FAQs: San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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
The cost of a train ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £60.
The train journey from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA covers a distance of 319 km and takes approximately 6h 45m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is 319 km.
The first train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA leaves at 6:11.
The last train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA departs at 15:05.
Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between San Francisco, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.
The train station in San Francisco, CA that goes to San Luis Obispo, CA is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, and it arrives at San Luis Obispo Station, San Luis Obispo, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo is considered scenic, offering picturesque views of the Pacific coastline, charming towns, and rolling hills along the way.
A day trip from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo is not feasible, given the journey takes 6h 45m, covering 319 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
In San Luis Obispo, CA, you can stroll through Downtown SLO, a lively area with shops, restaurants, and the famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market. Attend a performance at the historic Fremont Theater, known for its art deco architecture. For family fun, visit the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum with interactive exhibits. Wine enthusiasts can explore the local wineries and vineyards in the Edna Valley. Nature lovers will enjoy Montana de Oro State Park with its rugged cliffs and hiking trails. Don't miss the unique Bubblegum Alley, historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the panoramic views from Bishop Peak, contemporary art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, and the sandy shores of Avila Beach.
To fully enjoy San Luis Obispo, 2 to 3 days are typically recommended to explore its charming downtown, beautiful beaches, nearby wineries, and scenic hiking trails.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in San Francisco, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA

San Francisco
San Luis Obispo
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

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