Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Detroit
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from San Diego to Detroit. Traveling by train from San Diego to Detroit usually takes 65 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 55 hours.
| Distance | 1968 mi (3168 km) |
| Fastest train | 55h |
| Lowest price | $250.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Diego to Detroit Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Diego to Detroit?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Detroit.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$472.06 | Avg. Price$310.92Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration65h 11m | Duration64h 54mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Detroit:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Detroit?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Detroit was $336.00. Considering the distance between San Diego and Detroit, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $222.20 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Detroit by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Detroit will cost between $297 and $396. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Detroit by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Detroit often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $342. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Detroit during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $423 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Diego to Detroit on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $222.20 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Diego to Detroit?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Diego to Detroit, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 65h 11m | $472.06 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Detroit every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $250.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Detroit
There are 4 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 Detroit to San Diego. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Detroit for $136.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Diego and Detroit is approximately 1968 miles, or 3168 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 65 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 55 hours, 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)
1968
DISTANCE (KM)
3168
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 Detroit 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Wednesday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
Detroit
Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
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 Detroit.
All train stations in San Diego:
- 4005 Taylor St
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Where does the train arrive in Detroit?
Main arrival station: 11 W Baltimore Ave
Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.
All train stations in Detroit:
- 11 W Baltimore Ave
Need a return trip from Detroit to San Diego?
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