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Trip Summary
10 trains operate daily from San Diego to Oceanside. The train trip from San Diego to Oceanside is usually about 50 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 42 minutes.
| Distance | 36 mi (57 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 42m |
| Lowest price | $23.47 |
| Trains per day | 19 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from San Diego to Oceanside
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Oceanside?
Over the past month, a train ticket between San Diego and Oceanside cost $24.14, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 1 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $0.01 more.
Monthly average prices
Taking the train from San Diego to Oceanside usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $25 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 Oceanside 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 San Diego to Oceanside?
2 train services operate from San Diego to Oceanside. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 0h 50m | $24.18 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 7 | 0h 50m | $24.17 |
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 San Diego to Oceanside every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $23.
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 7 train trips from San Diego to Oceanside every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $23.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Diego and Oceanside is approximately 36 miles, or 57 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 42 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Oceanside.
Trains departing from San Diego to Oceanside tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs San Diego at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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. 19 of these are direct connections to Oceanside. 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 Oceanside to San Diego.
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.
Oceanside
Oceanside is a beautiful coastal city in Southern California, best known for its lovely beaches and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and more.
There are also many great points of interest worth checking out, including the Oceanside Pier, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Also, don't miss the Oceanside Museum of Art, which houses a collection of art from across the globe. Other attractions include Mission San Luis Rey and the California Surf Museum.
The city also boasts a variety of popular neighborhoods and nightlife destinations, like Downtown Oceanside or Coastal Highway, which are home to several bars and restaurants, and The Strand, which offers a vibrant nightlife scene.
Most ground travel to Oceanside operates through the Oceanside Transit Center. Here, Metrolink trains and local buses connect to Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route and intercity bus lines like Greyhound. The nearest airport is the McClellan-Palomar Airport, about 3 miles away from the center of Oceanside.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All train stations in San Diego:
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
4005 Taylor St
Where is the train station in Oceanside?
Main arrival station: Oceanside Transit Center
Oceanside has one train station.
Train stations in Oceanside:
Oceanside Transit Center
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