Pismo Beach Travel

Planes, Trains, Automobiles... and Bikes: Your Complete Transportation Guide to Getting to and Around Pismo Beach

Arrive by Train

One of the most scenic and convenient ways to reach Pismo Beach is by taking the train. There are a few options depending on whether you’re coming from the north or south.

Coming from the South? The Pacific Surfliner train runs along the coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with stops in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and other key cities. You can get off at the Grover Beach station, which is only two miles from Pismo Beach.

Coming from the North? The Coast Starlight train runs from Seattle to Los Angeles, making a stop in San Luis Obispo. It’s only a short trip to Pismo Beach from here.

Popular Routes and Approximate Travel Times:

Los Angeles Union Station to Grover Beach – 5.5 hours
Santa Barbara – 3 hours
San Diego – 8.5 hours (may include layovers)
Oakland — 6 hours
Salinas – 3 hours

The nearest stops to Pismo Beach:

Grover Beach Station (GVB) is just a short 5-minute drive away. You can get from the station to Pismo Beach by Rideshare services, the South County Transit (Route 21) bus service into downtown, or a 10-minute bike ride.

San Luis Obispo Amtrak Station (SLO) is approximately a 15-minute drive from Pismo Beach. Travelers can reach Pismo Beach from the station via rideshare services, taxis, or by taking the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Route 10 bus to the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets. The Route 10 bus operates every two hours, with a journey time of about 27 minutes.

Helpful Train Travel Tips:

Reservations are recommended during peak seasons (summer, holidays, school breaks), especially for Business Class.
Coach tickets are flexible: unreserved coach fares can be used on any train between your booked stations within a year.
Bring pets, bikes, or surfboards: small pets (under 20 lbs in a carrier) require a $29 reservation; bikes and surfboards can ride free.

Arrive by Plane

If you’re coming from out of state or simply prefer to skip the long drive, flying into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is a fast and efficient way to reach Pismo Beach. The airport is located just 15 minutes north of Pismo and offers daily flights from several major cities.

Coming from a major hub? SBP offers direct flights from:

Once you land, getting to Pismo Beach is quick and easy. The airport is small and well-organized, making arrivals smooth and stress-free.

Los Angeles (LAX)
San Francisco (SFO)
San Diego (SAN)
Denver (DEN)
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
Phoenix (PHX)
Seattle (SEA)
Portland (PDX)

Ground Transportation from SBP to Pismo Beach:

Flying into SBP is especially convenient during busy travel weekends, when road traffic along the coast can slow things down. It’s a stress-free way to arrive with more time to relax on the beach.

Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft are available, but can be limited. It may be smart to book ahead if possible, especially if arriving early in the morning or late at night.
Taxis: Can be booked in advance.
Bus service: You can take the RTA Route 10 bus from the airport area to Pismo Beach Premium Outlets, with service roughly every two hours.

Arrive by Electric Vehicle: Charging in Pismo Beach

If you’re coming from out of state or simply prefer to skip the long drive, flying into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is a fast and efficient way to reach Pismo Beach. The airport is located just 15 minutes north of Pismo and offers daily flights from several major cities.

Located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Pismo Beach is a perfect place for EV drivers to stop, recharge, and enjoy the coastal air. Explore the shops, grab a coffee, or take a beach walk while you wait for the charge.

Where to Charge Your EV:

Pismo Premium Outlets (333 5 Cities Drive, Pismo Beach, CA 93449)

There are 12 Superchargers available 24/7, up to 250kW. This Supercharger is open to Tesla and NACS-enabled vehicles with CCS compatibility. Base rate is $0.60/kWh with Idle fees (up to) $1.00/min.

While you charge, explore the locally-owned shop The Natural Toolbox and grab a healthy snack from California Fresh Market. Starbucks is just next door for those wanting a coffee.

Downtown Pismo by the Pier (101 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach)

There are a couple of chargers by the Pismo Beach pier. Payment is required at $5.00/hr (10 AM – 6 PM) + $0.40/kW.

Charging here places you right in the center of downtown, with endless restaurants, shops, and a beach to explore. Grab a specialty coffee from CACTI Coffee Roasters and explore the surf culture of the shops.

Hotels with EV Stations

Many of the hotels in Pismo Beach offer complimentary charging for their guests. Stay at one of these spots to access their service:

Arrive (or Get Around) by Bike

Pismo Beach is bike-friendly for those who prefer to ride. With plenty of trails offering coastal views and easy access to nearby beaches and nature preserves, it’s one of the best ways to get around.

If you need to rent a bike, consider any of these spots in town:

Pismo Beach Bike Rentals – (805) 441-5792
Sandcastle Hotel on the Beach – (805) 773-2422
PEDEGO Pismo Electric Bicycles – (805) 295-6352
Pedal Up Bike Rentals & Sales – (805) 295-6235

There are rides for every level of biker or cyclist throughout town. Take a leisure ride along the coast, a cliffside park, or inland to a winery for a nice glass of wine. Other riders might want to try mountain biking in the hills behind town:

Pismo Preserve – More than 11 miles of scenic trails with ocean views, great for mountain biking. E-bikes are not allowed.
Pismo Beach to Shell Beach – An easy, scenic ride along the oceanside with bike lanes and numerous parks along the way.
Bob Jones Trail to Avila Beach – A paved creekside trail through lush surroundings.
Bike to Edna Valley Wine Country – Ideal for experienced cyclists seeking wine tasting and countryside views.

For those on California’s Pacific Coast Bicycle Route, also known as the Pacific Coast Bike Route, Pismo Beach is a great stop on the long ride. It offers beautiful scenery and cool ocean air for those who need a rest on their large bike touring journeys.

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