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San Juan Capistrano to San Diego train

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San Juan Capistrano - San Diego Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

6 trains operate daily from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. The train trip from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego is usually about one hour and 32 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as one hour and 22 minutes.

Distance62 mi (99 km)
Fastest train1h 22m
Lowest price$31.23
Trains per day12
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

cary

September 26, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Safe and not on the freeway. Would definitely use it again

5.0

Billy

July 26, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Loved going along the coast and enjoying the view. This was my first train ride and I was surprised at the comfort.

5.0

Lucinda

April 8, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Everything was great and my husband and I were looking forward to visiting San Diego our last stop was in Oceanside because there was an accident on the track in Solano Beach. So we never made it to San Diego that day. Hopefully we will be able to do this another time. We were so looking forward to this day together though.

4.0

Elsa

April 7, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Very relaxed, happy not having to drive. The views are spectacular from the train. Cons: The sigs!! Please make it easier for people of all ages to find the right track. It is very frustrating to wander around asking if we are in the right place. Tips: Remember to wear a mask and check if you are in the right track.

4.0

Linda

December 10, 2021

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: On time, comfortable seats, clear good announcement about approaching stations. Cons: Chip crumbs on floor, could maybe be cleaner. Windows definitely needed washing, the scenery was beautiful but the windows were very dirty.

What is the price of a train ticket from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego?

In the last month, $31.85 was the average price of a train ticket from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 11 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $0.15 more than that for a same-day booking.

Monthly average prices

$34$27$20$14$7AMJJASONDJFM
The price of a train ticket from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $33 throughout the year.

Prices as travel date approaches

$34$27$20$14$73020100

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 San Juan Capistrano to San Diego?

2 train services operate from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak31h 32m$31.91
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner31h 32m$31.91
  • 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 Juan Capistrano to San Diego every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $31.

  • 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 3 train trips from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $31.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between San Juan Capistrano and San Diego is approximately 62 miles, or 99 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 22 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs San Juan Capistrano at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 12 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 San Juan Capistrano.

City Information

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, CA, US - SNC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.

San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The "Jewel of California Missions" includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.

The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.

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 San Juan Capistrano?

Main departure station: 26701 Verdugo St

There is one train station in San Juan Capistrano.

All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:

  • 26701 Verdugo St

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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