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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between San Diego and Burlington. The average train journey from San Diego to Burlington takes 62 hours and 44 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 59 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 1539 mi (2477 km) |
| Fastest train | 59h 11m |
| Lowest price | €326.58 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from San Diego to Burlington?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Burlington. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 2d 14h 44m | €326.58 |
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 Burlington every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €170.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Diego and Burlington is approximately 1539 miles, or 2477 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 62 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 59 hours and 11 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 Burlington 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
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.
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 Burlington 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.
Burlington
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionBurlington is a city in Iowa, on the border of Illinois. The micropolitan area is popular for the Snake Alley natural amphitheater and the rich heritage of commerce and culture. Art and history lovers can check out the Art Center of Burlington and the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum. Enjoy hiking and biking at the North Gorge Trail or the skate park, tennis court, outdoor pool, and 16-hole disc golf course at the Dankwardt Memorial Park. Baseball fans will be pleased to check out the Burlington Bees, while families can look out for a wide range of activities at FunCity.
The downtown Burlington area is the best place to visit for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city. You can look out for the Capitol Theater downtown to watch classic and independent films, while the Catfish Bend Casino offers adult fun, accompanied by hotels, chain restaurants, and a spa. Look out for concerts, magic shoes, and other activities at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium. At Burlington, you can look out for the Snake Alley Festival of Film held annually.
Burlington has plenty of bus trips from Jefferson Lines. If you're visiting via train, you can find routes provided by Amtrak from over 100 other cities.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionMain 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 Burlington?
Main arrival station: 300 S Main St
Burlington has one train station.
Train stations in Burlington:
300 S Main St
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Need a return trip from Burlington to San Diego?
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