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Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Tucson

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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San Diego to Tucson Train Schedule

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

There are usually 20 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Tucson.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$67.63
Avg. Price
$106.25
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
20
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
14h 2m
Duration
15h 42m

Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from San Diego to Tucson. The train trip from San Diego to Tucson is usually about 15 hours and 54 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 15 hours and 28 minutes.

Distance365 mi (587 km)
Fastest train15h 28m
Lowest price$82.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Diego to Tucson

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Brenda

March 3, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: The helpful and polite friendly staff was the best The trains were on time and very clean. I recommend this app as it was helpful to me because I don't travel much and needed all the help I could get. Cons: I think they always have room for improvement but I was so pleased I cannot recommend any I think that they may have made many improvements over the years and it shows I was very pleased. Tips: Please stay within the weight limits for your bags. You can check two bags for free but the weight limit is 50 pounds each and they cannot contain electronics. I didn't understand this even though I was sent an email about it. The workers are contracted to lift no more than 50 pounds. Also if you have more stuff you can carry it on the train in two carry on bags but they can't be very large or too heavy for you to carry safely up a flight of stairs as you may be asked to do this.

4.0

Daphne

August 25, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: I loved everything about my trip my seat was very comfortable and was able to sleep very well. Cons: The cashless thing was a little of an inconvenience because all i had was cash would be cool to have a machine where u can purchase a prepaid card so u can use on the train. Tips: Get yourself a prepaid card with money just in case it's cashless.

Price trends for trains from San Diego to Tucson

Monthly avg. prices

$125$100$75$50$25JJASONDJFMAM

Which train should you take from San Diego to Tucson?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Tucson. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak315h 55m$103.50

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Tucson every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $82.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Diego to Tucson. 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 San Diego and Tucson is approximately 365 miles, or 587 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 28 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 Tucson are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.

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.

There are 3 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 Tucson 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.

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.

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

Link to image attribution

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 Tucson?

400 N Toole Ave - TUSAMT-0

Image credit: Bill Morrow

Link to image attribution
400 N Toole Ave - TUSAMT-1

Image credit: Bill Morrow

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

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