Cheap train tickets from San Diego to San Clemente
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San Diego to San Clemente Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Diego to San Clemente?
There are usually 14 daily bus trips available from San Diego to San Clemente.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$42.29 | Avg. Price$21.50 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips14 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration0h 57m | Duration1h 14m |
Trip Summary
You can pick from 3 daily train trips between San Diego and San Clemente. The average train journey from San Diego to San Clemente takes one hour and 15 minutes, but some Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train trips are as short as one hour and 9 minutes.
| Distance | 56 mi (90 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 9m |
| Lowest price | $21.00 |
| Trains per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to San Clemente?
Over the past month, a train ticket between San Diego and San Clemente cost $21.49, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 1 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $0.01 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from San Diego to San Clemente 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.
Which train should you take from San Diego to San Clemente?
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to San Clemente. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 3 | 1h 15m | $21.50 |
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 3 train trips from San Diego to San Clemente every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $21.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to San Clemente
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Diego to San Clemente. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday 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 2:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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. 6 of these are direct connections to San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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?
Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionMain 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 San Clemente?
Main arrival station: 615 Ave Victoria at San Clemente Pier
San Clemente has one train station.
All train stations in San Clemente:
615 Ave Victoria at San Clemente Pier
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