Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Raleigh
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Diego to Raleigh. Traveling by train from San Diego to Raleigh usually takes 89 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 74 hours and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 2196 mi (3535 km) |
| Fastest train | 74h 31m |
| Lowest price | $538.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Diego to Raleigh Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Diego to Raleigh?
There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Raleigh.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$749.87 | Avg. Price$336.91Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration89h 15m | Duration68h 17mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Raleigh:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Raleigh?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Raleigh was $660.83. Considering the distance between San Diego and Raleigh, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 5 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $267.17 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Raleigh by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Raleigh will cost between $410 and $430. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Raleigh by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Raleigh often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $458. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Raleigh during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $647 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 Raleigh on Wanderu at least 5 days ahead of time, you can save about $267.17 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Diego to Raleigh?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Diego to Raleigh, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 89h 16m | $749.87 |
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 Raleigh every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $538.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Raleigh
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 Raleigh to San Diego. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Raleigh for $186.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Diego and Raleigh is approximately 2196 miles, or 3535 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 89 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 74 hours and 31 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)
2196
DISTANCE (KM)
3535
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 Raleigh are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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.
Raleigh
As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.
Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.
Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in San Diego?
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 does the train arrive in Raleigh?
Main arrival station: Union Station
The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.
All train stations in Raleigh:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Raleigh to San Diego?
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