How much does a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo cost?

The average train ticket price from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is $53. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?

A train trip between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo is around 2h 41m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 31m. This is the time it takes to travel the 124 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo?

The number of trains from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?

When taking the train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?

Trains travelling between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo leave from Train Station or Greyhound Station and arrive at AMTRAK Station.

Train Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo from $41 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on November 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	Cheapest
12:21pm	Train Station	2h 31m	2:52pm	AMTRAK Station	Fastest
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on November 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	Cheapest
12:21pm	Train Station	2h 31m	2:52pm	AMTRAK Station	Fastest
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on November 27
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	Cheapest
12:21pm	Train Station	2h 31m	2:52pm	AMTRAK Station	Fastest
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on November 29
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	Cheapest
12:21pm	Train Station	2h 31m	2:52pm	AMTRAK Station	Fastest
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on November 30
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	Cheapest
12:21pm	Train Station	2h 31m	2:52pm	AMTRAK Station	Fastest
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags
12:21pm	Train Station	2h 31m	2:52pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags
7:01pm	Train Station	2h 56m	9:57pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on December 1
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	Cheapest
12:21pm	Train Station	2h 31m	2:52pm	AMTRAK Station	Fastest
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 57m	12:55pm	Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining Complex	No tags
9:58am	Train Station	2h 41m	12:39pm	AMTRAK Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 5:30 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach San Luis Obispo. The journey takes about 2 hours 25 minutes, and with fares starting at just $36, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5bus per day

2h 25mAverage Duration

132 kmDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$36 - $93	Average Duration2h 25m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$40 - $88	Average Duration2h 41m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo?

Santa Barbara

A
Train Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Visit page
B
Greyhound Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

San Luis Obispo

A
AMTRAK Station
1730 Santa Rosa St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Visit page

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,606 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5606 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $40

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo cost?
The average train ticket price from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is $53. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
A train trip between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo is around 2h 41m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 31m. This is the time it takes to travel the 124 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo?
The number of trains from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
When taking the train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.
What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
Trains travelling between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo leave from Train Station or Greyhound Station and arrive at AMTRAK Station.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-22

$50

11-23

$50

Today

$50

11-25

$50

11-26

$50

11-27

$50

11-28

$60

11-29

$50

The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo was searched and found on Nov 22, 2025 with a price of $50

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $50 to $368 for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $50 which is on 2025-11-25.