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You can pick from 3 daily train trips between San Diego and Arcata. The average train journey from San Diego to Arcata takes 25 hours and 27 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 20 hours.
| Distance | 681 mi (1095 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 0m |
| Lowest price | €93.30 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Overall score for trains from San Diego to Arcata
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: Enough space for people. People were eating on the bus so just something to note but with the amount of distance each person had it wasn't a worry. Cons: I thought it was quite lovely. Tips: On the train there's wifi, but not on the bus. If you have work you need to do the train is the best.
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Diego to Arcata was €93.30. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Arcata if you book your train tickets at least 27 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €22.62.
If you're looking to save on your train trip from San Diego to Arcata, book online with Wanderu at least 27 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €22.62 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Arcata. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 1d 1h 27m | €113.47 |
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 Arcata every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €93.
The distance between San Diego and Arcata is approximately 681 miles, or 1095 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours,
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.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Diego to Arcata. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs San Diego at 16:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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 Arcata to 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.
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionThe 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.
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
4005 Taylor St
Arcata receives travelers from San Diego at its two active train stations.
Humboldt State University
925 E St Transit Ctr
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