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Cheap train tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego

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Los Angeles to San Diego Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 11 daily train trips available from Los Angeles to San Diego. Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Diego usually takes 3 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 38 minutes.

Distance111 mi (179 km)
Fastest train2h 38m
Lowest price$25.00
Trains per day42
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

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Los Angeles to San Diego Route Map

Los Angeles San Diego

Station Information

All train stations in Los Angeles:

  • Union Station

  • 10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth

  • Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd

  • Metrolink Station

  • 592 Gayley Ave

All train stations in San Diego:

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

  • 4005 Taylor St

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Diego by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Which train should you take from Los Angeles to San Diego?

2 train services operate from Los Angeles to San Diego. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak63h 40m$36.98
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner53h 8m$36.27

  • 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 6 Amtrak trains from Los Angeles to San Diego every day, as well as 33 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $25.

  • The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 5 train trips from Los Angeles to San Diego every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $35.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Los Angeles to San Diego

(Based on 61 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Eugenio

November 24, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Big leg room comfortable seating

4.0

Janet

August 16, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Friendly and helpful staff! Helped me with a heavy suitcase! Clean, good snacks and comfortable experience. Will continue to explore other destinations! Thank you! Cons: All good! Pleasant experience! Great way to travel!

4.0

Montserrat

May 6, 2024- Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: The different stops were announced each time we were approaching a station. The announcements were very clear. Cons: Some of the seats were worn out and look a little dirty. Tips: Travelling by train gives you the chance to see places from the window that you wouldn't get to see otherwise. It's a nice experience.

5.0

Clint

December 20, 2023- Couples trip

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Convenient, easy, affordable and timely. Cons: Nothing really. Tips: Respond and follow text/email chains.

4.0

Eric

November 25, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Taking the Surfliner rather than an airplane hop was a good choice during the Thanksgiving holiday week. This train was late leaving LA and did not make up much time during the trip to San Diego. All in all, it was a pretty mellow and low stress way to travel. Cons: It would be nice to see the trains running on time. Tips: You can check your suitcase for no additional cost and is handy if you do not wish to lug it up the stairs to the upper section of the train car.

Price trends for trains from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average train ticket prices from Los Angeles to San Diego by travel date

$45$30$15DecDec

Average train ticket prices from Los Angeles to San Diego by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Diego

The amenities at Union Station in L.A. include dining, gift kiosks, bike hubs and more. They have a wide array of dining options, from elegant New American fare to fast food and coffee for taking on the train.

Located at the North Arcade, the Bike Center offers secure luggage storage. (Chinatown is less than a half-mile walk from Union Station, making it a great spot to get lunch after dropping off your bags.)

You can also kill time waiting for a train by getting your shoes shined for just $8 in the Passenger Concourse.

The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is a 350-mile long train service that runs from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. It has 25 stops and the entire route is about four hours long. These trains have an average speed of 41 miles per hour, but can reach a maximum of 80 to 90 miles per hour. They operate 12 daily round trips from L.A. to San Diego.

The Pacific Surfliner offers some amazing ocean views of Southern California, and has enough space and racks to carry a surfboard or bike. The train features comfortable, reclining seats as well as power outlets, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, bike and luggage racks and large picture windows. An onboard Market Café offers fresh food, snacks, and beverages, including soft drinks, wine, cocktails and local craft beer. You can also upgrade to Business Class for additional perks.

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Los Angeles to San Diego. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Los Angeles and San Diego is approximately 111 miles, or 179 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 38 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Los Angeles 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Los Angeles at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 11 scheduled trains on most days. 42 of these are direct connections to San Diego. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to Los Angeles.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Los Angeles to San Diego?

There are usually 115 daily bus trips available from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$33.18
Avg. Price
$36.81
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
115
Daily Trips
41
Duration
Duration
4h 30m
Duration
3h 31m

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