Train from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo on 12 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
Train Station
AMTRAK StationCheapest
Amtrak
Train Station
AMTRAK StationFastest
Amtrak
Train Station
Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining ComplexNo tags
Amtrak
Train Station
Cal Poly Vista Grande Dining ComplexNo tags
Amtrak
Train Station
AMTRAK StationNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 10:42 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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 R 375, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4bus per day
2h 25mAverage duration
132 kmDistance
3kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceR 375 - R 1 110Average duration2h 25m
3kg CO₂e
Average priceR 469 - R 1 041Average duration2h 41m
12kg CO₂e

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

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

  1. 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 from R 469. The average price for this train route is around R 630. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo?

    The average train journey time from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo is 2h 41m, covering a distance of 131 km. The quickest train can get you there in 2h 31m and is operated by Amtrak.

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

    Several major train operators run on this route, with 2 trains available per day.

  4. 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 09:58. And the latest train departs at 19:01.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
09/12
R 588
10/12
R 588
Today
R 588
12/12
R 588
13/12
R 588
14/12
R 588
15/12
R 588
16/12
R 554
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo was searched and found on 16 Dec 2025 with a price of R 554

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 R 554 to R 4 547 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 R 554, which is on 2025-12-16.

People from around the world trust Busbud