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Arcata - San Diego Train Timetable
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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Arcata to San Diego per day. The average train journey from Arcata to San Diego takes 19 hours and 30 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 19 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 681 mi (1095 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 25m |
| Lowest price | €92.39 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Arcata to San Diego?
In the last month, €92.39 was the average price of a train ticket from Arcata to San Diego. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €10.27 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Arcata to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only €94,
If you're thinking of traveling from Arcata to San Diego during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €117 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Arcata to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Arcata 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 | 19h 30m | €102.14 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Arcata to San Diego every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €92.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Arcata and San Diego is approximately 681 miles, or 1095 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 25 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.
Trains departing from Arcata to San Diego 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Arcata at 09:00 and arrives in San Diego around 19 hours later.
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 carry-on 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 Arcata.
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 Arcata?
Main departure station: 925 E St Transit Ctr
There are two stations in Arcata where you can board the train to San Diego.
All train stations in Arcata:
925 E St Transit Ctr
Humboldt State University
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionMain 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
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