Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Truckee
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Diego to Truckee?
There are usually 9 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Truckee.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$147.63 | Avg. Price$147.45 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips9 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration23h 7m | Duration19h 21m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Diego to Truckee. Traveling by train from San Diego to Truckee usually takes 18 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 487 mi (784 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 5m |
| Lowest price | $84.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from San Diego to Truckee
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Truckee by travel date
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from San Diego to Truckee?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Truckee. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 18h 17m | $127.90 |
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 Truckee every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $84.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Truckee
The distance between San Diego and Truckee is approximately 487 miles, or 784 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 18 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 5 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.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Diego to Truckee. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs San Diego at 3:00pm 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 3 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 Truckee 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 Truckee?
Main arrival station: 10065 Donner Pass Rd
Truckee has one train station.
All train stations in Truckee:
10065 Donner Pass Rd
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Need a return trip from Truckee to San Diego?
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