Compare train tickets from San Francisco to San Diego
Trip Summary
How much are train tickets from San Francisco to San Diego?
| Lowest Price | €55.20 |
| Fastest Train | 12h 50m |
| Trains Per Day | 5 |
| Train Lines | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from San Francisco to San Diego right now?
We stand behind CDC guidelines that caution passengers against non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak. That said, we recognize not everyone is in a position to completely abstain. Whether it’s for work, to take care of family or to get back home, some circumstances inevitably require travel. If you’re one of those individuals who still needs to book a trip, you can continue to do so on Wanderu.
Know that most train companies are still running at this time, though some have limited service. Visit our COVID-19 travel guide for resources and daily updates on the coronavirus and COVID travel restrictions.
In order to keep vehicles as clean and sanitized as possible, train companies are taking extra precautions for coronavirus. For details on what various companies are doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Can you take a train all the way from San Francisco to San Diego?
What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to San Diego?
In the last month, €63.58 was the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA. 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 €2.82 more than that for a same-day booking.
How long is the train journey from San Francisco to San Diego?
The distance between San Francisco and San Diego is approximately 458 miles, or 738 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 50 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains from San Francisco to San Diego are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs San Francisco at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from San Francisco to San Diego?
There are 5 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 San Diego to San Francisco. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to San Diego for €47.93.
Which train should you take from San Francisco to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco, California to San Diego, California. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 13h 42m | €64.15 |
Amtrak train tickets from San Francisco to San Diego start from €55, and on average cost €64. Daily there are 5 Amtrak schedules to San Diego. Amtrak in San Francisco leaves from Salesforce Plaza, And in San Diego trains arrive at Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd and one other train station. From San Francisco to San Diego train travel on Amtrak takes 13 hours and 42 minutes. If you are looking to get to San Diego faster, Amtrak offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 12 hours and 50 minutes. If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak offers 8 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to San Diego.
Where is the train station in San Francisco?
There is one train station in San Francisco:
- Salesforce Plaza
Where is the train station in San Diego?
San Diego receives travelers from San Francisco at its two active train stations:
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
- 4005 Taylor St
Price trends for trains from San Francisco to San Diego
Average prices by travel date
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Plan your next adventure
Book coaches and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more
