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Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Madera

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San Diego to Madera Train Schedule

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

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Madera.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$75.49

Avg. Price

$73.15

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

4

Daily Trips

1

Duration

Duration

9h 34m

Duration

10h 22m

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from San Diego to Madera. Traveling by train from San Diego to Madera usually takes 10 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 12 minutes.

Distance336 mi (541 km)
Fastest train9h 12m
Lowest price$54.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Diego to Madera

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Yaquelin

August 14, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: That no one was invading my personal space and that I have enough room to move around. Cons: There really isn’t anything that can be improved. Tips: please enjoy your ride.

5.0

Jeffrey

November 21, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Plenty of spacious seating next to a window and electric outlet. I had no trouble staying connected to the internet and it was less expensive and took the same time as driving. Tips: Pack snacks and drinks, and something to entertain yourself. Bring a neck pillow if your destination is far enough away. It's a VERY convenient way to travel.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between San Diego and Madera cost $54.00, on average. Booking your trip at least 5 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $24.17 more.

Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Madera by month

$100$80$60$40$20DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for August if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Madera. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $54. If you're planning a trip from San Diego to Madera during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $76 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from San Diego to Madera?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Madera. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak710h 30m$77.50
  • 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 7 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Madera every day, as well as 11 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $54.

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Diego to Madera, 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 Madera is approximately 336 miles, or 541 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 12 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 Madera 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

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 7 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 Madera 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

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 Madera?

Main arrival station: 18770 Rd 26

Madera has one train station.

All train stations in Madera:

  • 18770 Rd 26

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Madera by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Madera to San Diego?

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