We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
There are usually 12 daily train trips available from San Diego to Fullerton. Traveling by train from San Diego to Fullerton usually takes 2 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 91 mi (147 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 5m |
| Lowest price | $30.50 |
| Trains per day | 20 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from San Diego to Fullerton
(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: So easy and comfy! Cons: Signage at Santa Fe station.
5.0
Pros: just so relaxing. Tips: relaxx.
5.0
Pros: Smooth and relaxing. Love the train. Cons: Not a thing! Tips: Loved the train. Will do it again.
5.0
Pros: The bathroom was clean. Cons: Provide two cafes. Tips: You will enjoy your trip on a clean and comfy train with free Wifi!
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Fullerton was $30.69. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $0.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
The cost of a one-way train trip from San Diego to Fullerton is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $31 for your ticket.
The price of train trips from San Diego to Fullerton doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
2 train services operate from San Diego to Fullerton. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 2h 27m | $30.92 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 7 | 2h 13m | $30.87 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Fullerton every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $31.
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 7 train trips from San Diego to Fullerton every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $31.
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Trains from San Diego to Fullerton 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs San Diego at 4:00am 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 12 scheduled trains on most days. 20 of these are direct connections to Fullerton. 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 Fullerton to 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.
Fullerton was founded in 1887 and is roughly 22 miles from Los Angeles. The area around Fullerton was the original California orange growing zone due to its great Mediterranean environment. The nightlife in downtown Fullerton is well-known, plus there are around 50 parks in the city, including the famed Fullerton Arboretum, which features 26 acres of uncommon and rare species as well as sculpted gardens.
Fullerton has some of the best art museums in the country, including Muckenthaler Art and Cultural Center and the Clayes Performing Arts Center. You can also experience amazing lakes such as the Laguna Lake Park.
If you're a beer-lover, visit the Bootleggers Brewery. Founded in 2008 by home brewer and beer enthusiast Aaron Barkenhagen, Bootleggers Brewery is one of Orange County's largest artisan breweries.
As for transportation, Amtrak and Fullerton Metrolink are the two best train stations in Fullerton serviced by Amtrak's Southwest Chief and Pacific Surfliner. These Amtrak lines connect from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and even as far away as Chicago. For buses, Amtrak Thruway comes from Santa Ana, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and Riverside to Fullerton. The nearest airport is Long Beach Airport, which is only 14 miles away from the city.
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionThe 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.
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
4005 Taylor St
Fullerton has one train station.
120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr
$198+
$47+
$27+
$37+
$18+
$42+
$46+
$42+
$21+
$69+
$12+
$17+
$21+
$57+
$12+
$67+
$18+
$31+
$66+
$67+
$16+
$45+
$36+
$68+
$115+
$117+
$189+
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more
