Cheap train tickets from Tucson to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Tucson to San Diego. Traveling by train from Tucson to San Diego usually takes 16 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 14 hours and 37 minutes.
| Distance | 365 mi (587 km) |
| Fastest train | 14h 37m |
| Lowest price | $85.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Tucson to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Tucson to San Diego?
There are usually 14 daily bus trips available from Tucson to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$114.25 | Avg. Price$99.87Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips14 |
Duration | Duration16h 15m | Duration15h 50mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Tucson to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Tucson to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Tucson to San Diego was $95.63. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $42.78 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Tucson to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Tucson to San Diego will cost between $87 and $109. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Tucson to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from Tucson to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $91. If you're thinking of traveling from Tucson to San Diego during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $113 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Tucson to San Diego on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $42.78 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Tucson to San Diego?
There are multiple trains that travel from Tucson to San Diego, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 16h 15m | $114.25 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Tucson to San Diego every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $79.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Tucson to San Diego
There are 4 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 Tucson. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Tucson to San Diego for $60.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Tucson and San Diego is approximately 365 miles, or 587 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 14 hours and 37 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
365
DISTANCE (KM)
587
The earliest train departs Tucson at 7:15pm while the last train of the day leaves at 7:15pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
7:15pm
LATEST TRAIN
7:15pm
Trains from Tucson to San Diego are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Tucson
A bright and sunny city with more than 350 days of sunshine and temperatures that rarely dip below 60, Tucson is undoubtedly one of Arizona's best vacation destinations. Those who don’t shy away from some outdoor activities should go on a hiking trip in the Saguaro National Park, where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of southwestern landscapes. Of the park's two areas, the Tucson Mountain District is the more popular one, owing to its amazing sunset views. Architecture fans could also consider visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. If you wish to learn more about the region and its unique flora and fauna, head over to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features 230 animal species and 1,200 local plant species.
It should come as no surprise that the most famous dishes in Tucson are Mexican foods, which boast spicy, sweet and smoky flavors. One of the best spots to enjoy these delicacies is at El Charro Café, which has been around since 1922. For a more eclectic menu, Feast is a good option.
The principal Amtrak train station in Tucson is on Toole Ave. The city is served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines. The main bus station is the bus terminal located at 801 E 12th St, not too far from the train station. The city’s commercial air services are fulfilled by Tucson International Airport, which is 6 miles south of the city’s center.
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.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Tucson?
Main departure station: 400 N Toole Ave
The Amtrak station in Tucson is located on Toole Street in the Historic Fourth Avenue neighborhood. The station was built in 1907, and the neighboring Southern Arizona Transportation Museum displays railroad artifacts and a vintage locomotive from the station’s early days. Today, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes run through Tucson, heading towards Los Angeles, New Orleans, or Chicago. The station is comfortably appointed with clean bathrooms, charging ports, and indoor seating. Many top-rated dining options surround the station, but travelers can enjoy the best pre-train cocktail at the Congress Tap Room’s outdoor patio just across the street.
All train stations in Tucson:
- 400 N Toole Ave
Where does the train arrive in San Diego?
Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St
San Diego receives travelers from Tucson at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Diego:
- 4005 Taylor St
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Need a return trip from San Diego to Tucson?
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