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Cheap train tickets from Palm Springs to San Diego

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Palm Springs to San Diego Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Palm Springs to San Diego?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips from Palm Springs to San Diego.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$69.58
Avg. Price
$50.78
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
10
Duration
Duration
5h 15m
Duration
5h 24m

Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Palm Springs to San Diego. The train trip from Palm Springs to San Diego is usually about 5 hours and 43 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 32 minutes.

Distance85 mi (137 km)
Fastest train4h 32m
Lowest price$47.45
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Palm Springs to San Diego

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Richard

February 7, 2026- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: Everything! Comfortable and clean, polite staff. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Reach out to Wanderu, they are the best!

5.0

Yvette

June 26, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: It was my first experience and I would take the trip again. Nice to leave the driving to someone else. Good experience. Cons: Check the outlets for your phone. I had to hold the plug to keep my charger in. Tips: It was inexpensive, fast and convenient.

4.0

Derek

February 27, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: The travel was very reliable. Cons: Communication regarding exact pick up and drop off locations. Clarity on baggage handling and storage on busses and trains. Tips: Trust Amtrak, they are very reliable.

5.0

Neil

January 11, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: Extremely good value for money. Effortless and worry free connections. Cons: Nothing I can think of. Tips: Use this site!

5.0

Susan

June 18, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Make sure your phone is charged. No working outlets in the train station

What is the price of a train ticket from Palm Springs to San Diego?

The average price for a train ticket from Palm Springs to San Diego is $47.45, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 18 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $3.31 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$68$54$41$27$14MAMJJASONDJF
Ticket prices for the train from Palm Springs to San Diego stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $52 regardless of when you plan to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$68$54$41$27$143020100

Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to San Diego at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.

Which train should you take from Palm Springs to San Diego?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Palm Springs to San Diego. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak35h 43m$54.56

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Palm Springs to San Diego every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $47.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Palm Springs to San Diego

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs and San Diego is approximately 85 miles, or 137 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 32 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.

Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Palm Springs to San Diego. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday 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 Springs at 2:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, 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 Springs.

City Information

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA, US - PSP-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Palm Springs is a desert resort city in California defined by its ultra-cool midcentury modern buildings and aesthetics. Travelers seeking relaxation flock to Palm Springs' stylish hotels and resorts like the Caliente Tropic Resort, spas like The Well Spa, hot springs like the Azure Palm Hot Springs, and the city's many palm tree-lined golf courses. History and art buffs can check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabazon Dinosaurs, and Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Trivia break! Can you guess which president had a home in Palm Springs?

Explore the desert environment by meeting some locals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or trot through the Indian Canyons on horseback. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking in the desert city. Palm Canyon Drive, a cultural strip downtown, offers upscale dining and exciting nightlife, from resort restaurants to taverns and lounges.

Visit this chic resort city by train on the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Amtrak Sunset Limited. You can take a bus to Palm Springs on one of FlixBus' routes from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Riverside, and more. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is easy to reach, only two miles from downtown.

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 Springs?

Main departure station: SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr

Palm Springs has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to San Diego.

All train stations in Palm Springs:

  • SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr

  • SunLine Transit Stop - 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way

  • Palm Springs Station Rd

Where is the train station in San Diego?

Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St

San Diego receives travelers from Palm Springs at its two active train stations.

Train stations in San Diego:

  • 4005 Taylor St

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

Get around town with Moovit

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Related reading

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