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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Portland to San Diego. The train trip from Portland to San Diego is usually about 35 hours and 30 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 34 hours and 28 minutes.
Distance | 932 mi (1501 km) |
Fastest train | 34h 28m |
Lowest price | €106.60 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Portland to San Diego?
In the last month, €141.50 was the average price of a train ticket from Portland to San Diego. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 28 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €110.40 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only €142,
If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to San Diego during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €242 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Portland to San Diego, book online with Wanderu at least 28 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €110.40 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Portland to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Portland to San Diego. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 3 | 1d 11h 30m | €169.60 |
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 Portland to San Diego every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €107.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Portland and San Diego is approximately 932 miles, or 1501 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 35 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 34 hours and 28 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Portland to San Diego on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Portland at 14:00 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.
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 San Diego to Portland.
City Information
Portland
![Portland, OR - PDX-0](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/cities/city-editorial/PDX-0.jpg)
Image credit: Unsplash
![Portland, OR - PDX-1](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/cities/city-editorial/PDX-1.jpg)
Image credit: Unsplash
![Portland, OR - PDX-2](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/cities/city-editorial/PDX-2.jpg)
Image credit: Unsplash
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.
Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.
Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."
As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.
San Diego
![](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/cities/city-editorial/SAN-0.jpg)
![](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/cities/city-editorial/SAN-1.jpg)
![](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/cities/city-editorial/SAN-2.jpg)
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 Portland?
![Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/stations/station-editorial/PDXAMT-0.jpg)
Image credit: Ian Sane
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Union Station
Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.
All train stations in Portland:
Union Station
Where is the train station in San Diego?
![San Diego, CA - Santa Fe Depot (1050 Kettner Blvd) - SANAMT2-0](https://static-01.wanderu.com/s3/cortex/stations/station-editorial/SANAMT2-0.jpg)
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
4005 Taylor St
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