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.

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.

Charlie

5.0

October 11, 2019Visiting friends

Pros

Most comfortable traveling experience I’ve ever had. Better than taking the car or a cramped airplane seat.

Cons

Lighting during the night , on the way back, was too bright. I wouldn’t have minded dimmer lights but that’s minor and understandable. The WiFi on the amtrack back also didn’t work but on the way up it worked just fine. A little disappointing considering I had planned t...More

Tips

Download stuff to your devices and get your stuff ready to be used offline just in case the WiFi doesn’t work. But if it does work (it did on the first train), I found the connection to be pretty solid!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the train ride from L.A. to San Diego compare to flying or driving?

On the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, the train ride from Los Angeles to San Diego typically takes just under three hours.

Flying nonstop from LA to San Diego takes about 50 minutes to an hour, while driving takes a little more than 2 hours and 30 minutes when there is no traffic. (Though in Los Angeles, you should plan for traffic.)

While flying may be the quickest way to get to L.A., it’s also the most expensive. From LAX to SAN, you’ll pay upwards of $200 to $300. Driving is cheaper, but requires focus, and includes additional costs like gas and parking.

With Amtrak, you can work for the entire trip without missing a beat or relax and enjoy the ocean views. Taking the train from Union Station in L.A. to Santa Fe Deposit in San Diego costs, on average, about $35 per trip. You can enjoy the comfortable seats, free Wifi and California view—all without the frustrations of airport security or being stuck in traffic.

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.

How do you find cheap train tickets 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$50.03. 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 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 32 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 Friday. 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 Monday 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 6:00am 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.

How many trains per day run from Los Angeles to San Diego?

There are 34 scheduled trains on most days. 28 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$14.91.

What train services are there from Los Angeles to San Diego?

2 train services operate from Los Angeles to San Diego. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 27 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations: