Cheap train tickets from Denver to San Diego

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Denver to San Diego. Travelling by train from Denver to San Diego usually takes 1 day, 21 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 1 day, 21 hours and 49 minutes.

Distance: 833 mi (1340 km)
Fastest train: 45h 49m
Lowest price: US$241.00
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Denver to San Diego Train Timetable

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full timetable.

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Denver to San Diego?

There are usually 2 daily coach trips from Denver to San Diego.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceUS$324.71	Avg. PriceUS$183.13Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration45h 57mFaster	Duration46h 40m

There are several train options that can take you from Denver to San Diego:

Amtrak tickets: US$241 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Denver to San Diego cost about US$241 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between Denver and San Diego, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$250 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Denver to San Diego by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Denver to San Diego will cost between US$190 and US$349. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Denver to San Diego by month

Ticket prices for the train from Denver to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$256. If you're thinking of travelling from Denver to San Diego during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$329 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Denver to San Diego on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about US$250 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Denver to San Diego?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Denver to San Diego. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	45h 57m	US$324.71

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there is 1 Amtrak train from Denver to San Diego every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from US$241.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Denver to San Diego

While the train is the main method of transport from Denver to San Diego, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a coach or express shuttle.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 hand luggage with you when you transfer 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 Denver. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Denver to San Diego for US$124.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Denver and San Diego is approximately 833 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 21 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 21 hours and 49 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

833

Distance (km)

1340

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Denver at 8:46 and arrives in San Diego around 45 hours later.

First train

8:46am

Last train

8:46am

Trains from Denver to San Diego are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Denver

Denver is the capital of Colorado, as well as the most populous city in the state. With buildings dating back to the 19th century, Denver is considered one of the most exemplary cities of the Old West era in the United States.

Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a preferred destination for young travellers seeking the thrill of the slopes during the day and the vibrant nightlife activities only an urban setting can provide. In fact, Denver is among the biggest party cities in the U.S. and one of the craft beer capitals in the country. In addition, thanks to the diverse local crowd, Denver’s restaurant scene offers top-notch options from various world cuisines.

If you’re looking for a more quiet time during your stay, head to one of the many unique museums in town such as the Denver Art Museum, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Arts, or the Molly Brown House Museum. Craving a feast to the eyes and some fresh air? Check out the spectacular Denver Botanic Gardens.

As the biggest city in the Mountain states and a top Colorado destination, Denver is a busy travel hub. Even though the Denver airport is on the city’s outskirts, it is still easily accessible. If you are travelling to Denver by coach or train, you’ll be conveniently dropped off at Union Station in the heart of downtown Denver from where you can easily get anywhere in 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 coach 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 Denver?

Main departure station: Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street

Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street - DENAMT-0

Denver’s Union Station first opened in 1881, and houses some of the city’s best shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for locals and travellers alike. There is even a seasonal farmers market at the station! But first and foremost, Union Station is the primary transport hub for Denver. The station is served by Amtrak trains, and intercity coaches operated by Greyhound, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines and Express Arrow. From Union Station, travellers can also easily access Denver International Airport on the A Line commuter rail.

All train stations in Denver:

Union Station - 1701 Wynkoop Street

Where is the train station in San Diego?

Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot

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

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

Need a return trip from San Diego to Denver?

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