Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Tampa
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Diego to Tampa. Traveling by train from San Diego to Tampa usually takes 102 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 91 hours and 17 minutes.
| Distance | 2086 mi (3357 km) |
| Fastest train | 91h 17m |
| Lowest price | $440.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Diego to Tampa Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Diego to Tampa?
There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Tampa.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$541.69 | Avg. Price$366.93Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration102h 21m | Duration68h 57mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Tampa:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Tampa?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Tampa was $551.00. Considering the distance between San Diego and Tampa, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $93.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Tampa by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Tampa will cost between $323 and $551. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Tampa by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Tampa often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $426. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Tampa during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $625 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Diego to Tampa on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $93.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Diego to Tampa?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Diego to Tampa, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 102h 22m | $541.69 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Tampa every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $374.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Tampa
Trains leave the station in San Diego twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Tampa to San Diego. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Tampa for $207.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Diego and Tampa is approximately 2086 miles, or 3357 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 102 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 91 hours and 17 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
2086
DISTANCE (KM)
3357
The earliest train departs San Diego at 2:01pm while the last train of the day leaves at 4:10pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
2:01pm
LATEST TRAIN
4:10pm
Trains from San Diego to Tampa are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Wednesday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
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.
Tampa



Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.
Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.
The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in San Diego?
Main departure station: 4005 Taylor St
There are two stations in San Diego where you can board the train to Tampa.
All train stations in San Diego:
- 4005 Taylor St
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Where does the train arrive in Tampa?
Main arrival station: Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave


Opened in 1912, the Tampa Union Station is a historic train station that currently serves the Amtrak Silver Star train line, which runs from Miami to New York. The beautiful red brick station house features large windows and soaring ceilings. Located in the Channel District of Tampa, Union Station is close to several rental car agencies and has on-site and nearby parking available. Amtrak Thruway bus service stops at Union Station, and Greyhound bus service runs through a bus terminal only 0.5 miles away on Polk St.
Opened in 1912, the Tampa Union Station is a historic train station that currently serves the Amtrak Silver Star train line, which runs from Miami to New York. The beautiful red brick station house features large windows and soaring ceilings. Located in the Channel District of Tampa, Union Station is close to several rental car agencies and has on-site and nearby parking available. Amtrak Thruway bus service stops at Union Station, and Greyhound bus service runs through a bus terminal only .5 miles away on Polk St.
All train stations in Tampa:
- Union Station - 601 N Nebraska Ave
Need a return trip from Tampa to San Diego?
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