Cheap train tickets from Palm Desert to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Palm Desert to San Diego. Traveling by train from Palm Desert to San Diego usually takes 6 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 38 minutes.
| Distance | 83 mi (134 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 38m |
| Lowest price | $53.10 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Palm Desert to San Diego
Average train ticket prices from Palm Desert to San Diego by travel date
Average train ticket prices from Palm Desert to San Diego by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Palm Desert to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Palm Desert to San Diego. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 6h 16m | $53.10 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Palm Desert to San Diego every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $53.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Palm Desert to San Diego
The distance between Palm Desert and San Diego is approximately 83 miles, or 134 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 38 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Palm Desert to San Diego. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Palm Desert at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Palm Desert twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Palm Desert.
City Information
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 Palm Desert?
Main departure station: Sunline Transit Stop - 44449 Towne Ctr Way
There is one train station in Palm Desert.
All train stations in Palm Desert:
Sunline Transit Stop - 44449 Towne Ctr Way
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St
San Diego receives travelers from Palm Desert at its two active train stations.
Train stations in San Diego:
4005 Taylor St
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
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