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Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Fresno

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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San Diego to Fresno Train Schedule

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

There are usually 28 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Fresno.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
€61.86
Avg. Price
€65.66
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
28
Daily Trips
10
Duration
Duration
9h 26m
Duration
9h 35m

Trip Summary

You can pick from 8 daily train trips between San Diego and Fresno. The average train journey from San Diego to Fresno takes 9 hours and 42 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 7 hours and 43 minutes.

Distance316 mi (508 km)
Fastest train7h 43m
Lowest price€45.43
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Diego to Fresno

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.3

4.0

Biolife

February 14, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: People were kind and there were no serious delays. Cons: There was some trash left behind but that's all. Tips: N/A.

5.0

Cristian

September 28, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak

Beautiful view amazing trip love it

4.0

Suzann

December 18, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: It was at night. Cons: That all the electrical outlets, Heat/AC & the overhead air vents function.

4.0

Allen

November 19, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: bus was clean and attendant professional. On time and appropriate driving conducted. Cons: The bus broke down on the Grapvine just 41 miles from the Bakersfield destination. The driver was communicative with passengers and was able to get the bus up and running after a 20 minute delay off of the side of the freeway. Tips: prepare for a crowded bus.

Price trends for trains from San Diego to Fresno

Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Fresno by travel date

€83€56€28MarApr

Monthly avg. prices

€70€56€42€28€14AMJJASONDJFM

Which train should you take from San Diego to Fresno?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Fresno. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak89h 43m€66.53

  • 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 8 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Fresno every day, as well as 14 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €45.

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Diego to Fresno, 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 Fresno is approximately 316 miles, or 508 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 43 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.

Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Diego to Fresno. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs San Diego at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 8 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 Fresno 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.

Fresno

Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.

Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.

Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s San Joaquins line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city 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 Fresno?

Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St - FNOAMT-0

Image credit: Ron Reiring

Link to image attribution
Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St - FNOAMT-1

Image credit: Mattias Thorslund

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St

The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak San Joaquins train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.

All train stations in Fresno:

  • Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St

Get around town with Moovit

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