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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Richmond to San Diego. The train trip from Richmond to San Diego is usually about 43 hours and 24 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 1178 mi (1895 km) |
| Fastest train | 43h 24m |
| Lowest price | US$264.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Richmond to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond to San Diego. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 19h 24m | US$264.00 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Richmond to San Diego every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$264.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Richmond and San Diego is approximately 1178 miles, or 1895 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 43 hours and 24 minutes,
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Richmond to San Diego tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Richmond at 5:00am and arrives in San Diego around 43 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to Richmond.
City Information
Richmond
Richmond’s rich culture is a product of its coastal geography and multiethnic make-up. Visit Steveston, one of Richmond's iconic fishing villages that's also home to two National Historic Sites, to take in the city's long-standing marine history while enjoying stunning seaside vistas. Nature lovers can get out onto the water to spy on orcas or venture inland to watch the dozens of migratory bird species that touch down in town from winter to spring.
Popular heritage sites with no admission fee include the International Buddhist Temple, Richmond Museum, and Richmond Art Museum, offering visitors a great way to explore local culture on a shoestring budget. Known for its Chinese influences, Richmond offers some of the most authentic Chinese food found on this side of the Pacific in the Golden Village or along the Dumpling Trail. The Richmond Night Market also serves up a mouth-watering selection of street food hailing from all corners of the Asian continent.
Richmond is not far from Vancouver International Airport, which provides flights across North America and is also home to an award-winning gallery of indigenous artworks. Bus and rail networks serve the region while regular ferries run to Victoria through the scenic Strait of Georgia.
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Richmond?
Main departure station: 10251 St Edwards Dr
Amtrak Thruway buses to Richmond stop at 10251 St Edwards Drive, in front of the Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel. Passengers board the bus right outside the hotel, next to the hotel restaurant, Chop. This is a convenient stop for travelers on their way to or from the Vancouver Airport, as hotel guests can take the hotel's free shuttle to airport terminals. Other travelers will find the 10-minute drive to the airport short and seamless, too. The bus stop does not offer any amenities of its own, but the hotel lobby has seating and restrooms if needed.
All train stations in Richmond:
10251 St Edwards Dr
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.
Train stations in San Diego:
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
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