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San Diego to Palm Springs train

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San Diego - Palm Springs Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from San Diego to Palm Springs. The train trip from San Diego to Palm Springs is usually about 4 hours and 54 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance85 mi (137 km)
Fastest train4h 45m
Lowest priceRON 164.12
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from San Diego to Palm Springs

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Catalina

8 August 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Peaceful and relaxing the viewing and the safe me and my daughter got to relaxing and had a good trip we loved and enjoyed. Cons: I recommend it to families and friends is safe and familia can all ride together and enjoy the trip. Tips: The services and the driver he was so gentleman all stuff were wonderful even other train station a was and older man African American he was so helpful good service.

5.0

Robert

27 April 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: Punctuality was great. Cons: Passengers very talkative. Tips: Be on time or be sorry.

5.0

Neil

4 January 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: Very good value for money. Extremely easy connections. Cons: Amtrak coach from Fullerton to Palm Springs had passengers not wearing face coverings. Tips: Use this site!

4.0

Mark

17 November 2021

Amtrak

the train was easy to catch and very comfortable. the wifi worked well

5.0

Peter

2 June 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: releaxing, could check online while trvaelling. Cons: More clear signage at the tracks. Tips: can ecomend to anybody.

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

In the last month, RON 164.12 was the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Palm Springs. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 10 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around RON 2.20 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

RON 211RON 141RON 70AprApr

The average daily price of train tickets from San Diego to Palm Springs is expected to stay consistent at around RON 164 in the upcoming month.

Monthly average prices

RON 352RON 281RON 211RON 141RON 70MJJASONDJFMA
You can find the lowest prices on this route during November. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from San Diego to Palm Springs, with the average price at just RON 169. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in December, when the average price goes up to RON 263. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 234RON 188RON 141RON 94RON 473020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from San Diego to Palm Springs. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 10 days before departure, you can save around RON 2.20. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from San Diego to Palm Springs?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Palm Springs. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak24h 55mRON 164.26

  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Palm Springs every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 164.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Diego to Palm Springs, 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 bus or express shuttle.

The distance between San Diego and Palm Springs is approximately 85 miles, or 137 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 45 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 San Diego to Palm Springs tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs San Diego at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in San Diego twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Palm Springs 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.

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA, US - PSP-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Palm Springs is a desert resort city in California defined by its ultra-cool midcentury modern buildings and aesthetics. Travelers seeking relaxation flock to Palm Springs' stylish hotels and resorts like the Caliente Tropic Resort, spas like The Well Spa, hot springs like the Azure Palm Hot Springs, and the city's many palm tree-lined golf courses. History and art buffs can check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabazon Dinosaurs, and Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Trivia break! Can you guess which president had a home in Palm Springs?

Explore the desert environment by meeting some locals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or trot through the Indian Canyons on horseback. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking in the desert city. Palm Canyon Drive, a cultural strip downtown, offers upscale dining and exciting nightlife, from resort restaurants to taverns and lounges.

Visit this chic resort city by train on the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Amtrak Sunset Limited. You can take a bus to Palm Springs on one of FlixBus' routes from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Riverside, and more. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is easy to reach, only two miles from downtown.

Station Information

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 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 Palm Springs?

Main arrival station: SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr

Palm Springs receives travelers from San Diego at its two active train stations.

Train stations in Palm Springs:

  • SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr

  • SunLine Transit Stop - 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way

Get around town with Moovit

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Related reading

Need a return trip from Palm Springs to San Diego?

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