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Fullerton to San Diego train

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Fullerton - San Diego Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

10 trains operate daily from Fullerton to San Diego. The train trip from Fullerton to San Diego is usually about 2 hours and 17 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Distance91 mi (147 km)
Fastest train2h 7m
Lowest price$17.94
Trains per day20
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Fullerton to San Diego

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Jacqueline

March 20, 2022- Business

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: It was very fast and quiet. Cons: The bathroom could be cleaned more.

5.0

Helen

February 21, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: The trains were on time clean, roomy , staff was awesome and the mask rules were enforced on the platform, inside the station and on the train. Great trip! Cons: Nothing! Tips: Book in advance and feel free to bring what makes you comfy, like a blanket or cozy socks.

5.0

Linda

November 19, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Seeing beautiful CA. was terrific! Cons: Nothing. Tips: Get business class ticjets.

4.0

Leigh

November 15, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: smooth, fast and scenic! Cons: more private seating in business class.

5.0

Fatema

June 10, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Very comfortable ( we travelled business class) and scenic ride. We did not have to drive from San Diego to LA. Cons: Food options.

Price trends for trains from Fullerton to San Diego

Average prices by travel date

$62$41$21AprMay

Monthly average prices

$69$55$41$28$14MJJASONDJFMA

Prices as travel date approaches

$69$55$41$28$143020100

Which train should you take from Fullerton to San Diego?

2 train services operate from Fullerton to San Diego. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak52h 18m$43.05
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner52h 17m$42.79

  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from Fullerton to San Diego every day, as well as 12 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $18.

  • The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 5 train trips from Fullerton to San Diego every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $43.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Fullerton to San Diego. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Fullerton and San Diego is approximately 91 miles, or 147 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 7 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Fullerton to San Diego on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Fullerton at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 10 scheduled trains on most days. 20 of these are direct connections to San Diego. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to Fullerton.

City Information

Fullerton

Fullerton was founded in 1887 and is roughly 22 miles from Los Angeles. The area around Fullerton was the original California orange growing zone due to its great Mediterranean environment. The nightlife in downtown Fullerton is well-known, plus there are around 50 parks in the city, including the famed Fullerton Arboretum, which features 26 acres of uncommon and rare species as well as sculpted gardens.

Fullerton has some of the best art museums in the country, including Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center and the Clayes Performing Arts Center. You can also experience amazing lakes such as the Laguna Lake Park.

If you're a beer-lover, visit the Bootleggers Brewery. Founded in 2008 by home brewer and beer enthusiast Aaron Barkenhagen, Bootleggers Brewery is one of Orange County's largest artisan breweries.

As for transportation, Amtrak and Fullerton Metrolink are the two best train stations in Fullerton serviced by Amtrak's Southwest Chief and Pacific Surfliner. These Amtrak lines connect from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and even as far away as Chicago. For buses, Amtrak Thruway comes from Santa Ana, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and Riverside to Fullerton. The nearest airport is Long Beach Airport, which is only 14 miles away from the city.

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 Fullerton?

Main departure station: 120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr

There is one train station in Fullerton.

All train stations in Fullerton:

  • 120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr

Where is the train station in San Diego?

San Diego, CA - Santa Fe Depot (1050 Kettner Blvd) - SANAMT2-0

Image credit: Doug Letterman

Link to image attribution

Main 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

  • 4005 Taylor St

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