How much is the train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?

The cheapest train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo start at $39. The average price for this train route is around $53. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

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

The average train trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo takes 2h 41m and covers 131 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2h 31m and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?

The earliest train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo departs at 9:58am. The latest train departs at 7:01pm.

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

Next departures

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on November 30
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		7:01pm	Train Station	2h 56m	9:57pm	AMTRAK Station	CheapestFastest
		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 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 2
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 December 3
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 December 4
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 December 5
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 December 6
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 5:38 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

131 kmDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$36 - $92	Average Duration2h 25m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$39 - $87	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

4/55,615 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5615 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 $39

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

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
The cheapest train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo start at $39. The average price for this train route is around $53. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
The average train trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo takes 2h 41m and covers 131 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2h 31m and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?
The earliest train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo departs at 9:58am. The latest train departs at 7:01pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11-28

$49

11-29

$49

Today

$49

12-01

$49

12-02

$49

12-03

$49

12-04

$49

12-05

$49

The cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo was searched and found on Nov 28, 2025 with a price of $49

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 $49 to $454 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 $49 which is on 2025-12-01.