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San Diego to Tempe train

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San Diego to Tempe Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Diego to Tempe. Traveling by train from San Diego to Tempe usually takes 14 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 14 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance306 mi (493 km)
Fastest train14h 20m
Lowest price$113.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

The average price for a train ticket from San Diego to Tempe is $117.00, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $35.80 more.

Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Tempe by month

$150$120$90$60$30NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Tempe often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $125. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Tempe during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $150 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

$175$140$105$70$353020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from San Diego to Tempe, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $35.80 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from San Diego to Tempe?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Tempe. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak214h 26m$126.78
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Tempe every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $113.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Tempe

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Diego to Tempe, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between San Diego and Tempe is approximately 306 miles, or 493 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 14 hours and 20 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.

Trains from San Diego to Tempe 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs San Diego at 3:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in San Diego twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

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

City Information

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 is the train station in San Diego?

San Diego, CA - Santa Fe Depot (1050 Kettner Blvd) - SANAMT2-0

Image credit: Doug Letterman

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Main departure 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.

All train stations in San Diego:

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

  • 4005 Taylor St

Where is the train station in Tempe?

Main arrival station: Macayo's Depot Cantina

Tempe has one train station.

All train stations in Tempe:

  • Macayo's Depot Cantina

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Tempe to San Diego?

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