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San Diego to San Juan Capistrano train

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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San Diego to San Juan Capistrano Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 10 daily train trips between San Diego and San Juan Capistrano. The average train journey from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano takes one hour and 27 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as one hour and 22 minutes.

Distance62 mi (99 km)
Fastest train1h 22m
Lowest price$23.00
Trains per day19
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

John

July 10, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Had sears. Personnel at station were very helpful. Arrived in time place for carry on luggage. Cons: No suggestion. Tips: Consider Business class. We will going forward.

4.0

Alicia

June 8, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Beautiful senic views. Tips: Try the chai at SD station ,go 45 min in advance to be on time and navigate around the train station.

4.0

Elsa

April 7, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Very relaxing, fun. It was a great experience taking my grandson for an adventure, He really loved it. Cons: I think that the signs to show should be improved. Until the last minute you are not sure that you are in the right track.. Tips: Be very sure that you are in the right track and wear a mask.

5.0

Mark

March 19, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: The space between the seats and within the rows of seats was far superior to any first class aircraft. The footrest was an added bonus . A passenger would have to try it to get the full benefit. Cons: The only thing I saw that was on a deficit was that there were no cup holders to hold the drinks. The train car might have had free Wi-Fi but there was a lack of USB ports for charging your devices. Tips: The poor folks have to ride in the back. It's just a worldwide issue!

5.0

Lois

November 10, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: I just found the staff so helpful (I am elderly) in taking special care of me. I use the train each time I go to visit my nephew and so go to Capistrano station. I have told many about my good experiences! Cons: Old Town Station could use more signage. Tips: Be sure to go business class if you want the time of your life and go upstairs if you are able as the ocean views are spectacular!

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano was $23.45. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Juan Capistrano if you book your train tickets at least 7 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $1.27.

Monthly avg. prices

$25$20$15$10$5NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the train from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $23 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

The price of train trips from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano 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 Juan Capistrano?

2 train services operate from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano. 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak31h 28m$23.70
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner71h 28m$23.54

  • 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 San Juan Capistrano every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $23.

  • 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 San Juan Capistrano every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $23.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano. 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 San Juan Capistrano is approximately 62 miles, or 99 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 22 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains departing from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

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 10 scheduled trains on most days. 19 of these are direct connections to San Juan Capistrano. 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 Juan Capistrano 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.

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, CA, US - SNC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.

San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The "Jewel of California Missions" includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.

The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.

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 San Juan Capistrano?

Main arrival station: 26701 Verdugo St

San Juan Capistrano has one train station.

All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:

  • 26701 Verdugo St

Get around town with Moovit

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