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Compare train tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego

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Los Angeles-San Diego Train Schedule

Train
CA$47.61
7:02 AM
Union Station
10:01 AM
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
USPSL
4.4stars
0 transfers
Train
CA$46.87
7:02 AM
Union Station
9:47 AM
4005 Taylor St
USPSL
4.4stars
0 transfers
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fromCA$40.06
Train
CA$51.28
8:40 AM
10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd
12:50 PM
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
USPSL
4.4stars
0 transfers
Train
CA$50.75
8:40 AM
10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd
12:37 PM
4005 Taylor St
USPSL
4.4stars
0 transfers
Train
CA$51.08
8:56 AM
Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
12:37 PM
4005 Taylor St
USPSL
4.4stars
0 transfers
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Trip Summary

How much are train tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego?

Lowest PriceCA$46.87
Fastest Train2h 20m
Trains Per Day7
Train Lines2

Los Angeles to San Diego Route Map

Los Angeles San Diego

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the amenities like at Union Station in Los Angeles?

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.

What is the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner?

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.

Is it safe to travel by train from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to San Diego?

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.

What is the price of a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Diego?

The most surefire way to find the lowest-priced train tickets from Los Angeles to San Diego is to plan ahead and book your train travel earlier. In the past 30 days, the cheapest average price users have found for trains from Los Angeles to San Diego was CA$49.36. Trying to save on a last-minute fare and have a bit of flexibility on what day to travel? Take a look at midweek schedules, as these tend to be less busy and are often cheaper than buying tickets to travel on Friday, or a weekend departure. On the Pacific Surfliner, Everyday Discounts are available for seniors, kids, students, military personnel, veterans and passengers with disabilities. Rail fares can be higher during holiday periods. Some restrictions apply.

How long is the train journey from Los Angeles to San Diego?

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 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 20 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Los Angeles to San Diego are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Wednesday 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 Los Angeles at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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 Los Angeles to San Diego?

There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 23 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. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Los Angeles to San Diego for CA$20.03.

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

2 train services operate from Los Angeles, California to San Diego, California. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak26h 0mCA$50.64
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner53h 24mCA$49.57

Where is the train station in Los Angeles?

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 4 stops and stations in Los Angeles where you can board the train:

  • Union Station
  • 10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd
  • Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
  • 592 Gayley Ave

Where is the train station in San Diego?

San Diego receives travelers from Los Angeles at its two active train stations:

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
  • 4005 Taylor St

Price trends for trains from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average prices by travel date

CA$60CA$40CA$20JanFeb

Monthly average prices

CA$67CA$53CA$40CA$27CA$13FMAMJJASONDJ

Prices as travel date approaches

CA$67CA$53CA$40CA$27CA$133020100

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA
4.8
Based on 22 ratings and reviews

Based on 2 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Amtrak report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 100 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.0
Staff
4.5
Value
3.5
Condition
4.5
Blair
5.0
October 15, 2019Solo travel
Pros
People were very nice and the scenery was beautiful.People were very nice and the scenery was beautiful.
Cons
Timeliness and knowing what to look for when waiting for bus and train. Timeliness and knowing what to look for when waiting for bus and train.
Tips
Upgrade to business class. It's worth it. Upgrade to business class. It's worth it.

Based on 20 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 65 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.5
Staff
4.5
Value
4.0
Condition
4.7
Roberto
5.0
June 18, 2020Visiting family
Pros
Comfortable. Comfortable.
Cons
NoneNone
Doo Hwan
5.0
December 28, 2019Solo travel
Pros
The train has chargers so that I could charge my iphone.The train has chargers so that I could charge my iphone.
Tips
You are allowed to sit on waiting seats for at most two hours before your boarding.You are allowed to sit on waiting seats for at most two hours before your boarding.
Nicholas
5.0
December 12, 2019Visiting family
Pros
I like looking out the window at the scenery passing by.I like looking out the window at the scenery passing by.
Cons
The wifi wasn't working, but they did have a good reason for why it wasn't during the trip.The wifi wasn't working, but they did have a good reason for why it wasn't during the trip.
Tips
Take trains! They are the way to go green!Take trains! They are the way to go green!
Maria
5.0
August 23, 2019Vacation
Cons
goodgood
Heather
5.0
November 5, 2019Visiting friends
Pros
I'd never taken the train before and it was so elegant! I'm used to overcrowded, expensive trains in the UK and this was glorious. Views down the coast didn't hurt either. Looking forward to my return trip tomorrow.I'd never taken the train before and it was so elegant! I'm used to overcrowded, expensive trains in the UK and this was glorious. Views down the coast didn't hurt either. Looking forward to my return trip tomorrow.
Cons
It's all pretty good really.It's all pretty good really.
Tips
Sit in the lovely lounge at Union Station before you go - the staff tell you when your train is ready. Beats standing on the platform.Sit in the lovely lounge at Union Station before you go - the staff tell you when your train is ready. Beats standing on the platform.

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