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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Diego to Albuquerque. Traveling by train from San Diego to Albuquerque usually takes 20 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 20 hours and 3 minutes.
| Distance | 627 mi (1009 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 3m |
| Lowest price | $102.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Albuquerque?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Diego to Albuquerque was $102.00. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between San Diego and Albuquerque. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Albuquerque if you book your train tickets at least 11 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $29.09.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from San Diego to Albuquerque, book online with Wanderu at least 11 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $29.09 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from San Diego to Albuquerque?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Albuquerque. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 20h 8m | $113.08 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Albuquerque every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $102.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Diego and Albuquerque is approximately 627 miles, or 1009 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 3 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.
Trains departing from San Diego to Albuquerque tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Diego at 2:00pm and arrives in Albuquerque around 20 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Albuquerque 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.
Albuquerque
A city rich in history and culture, Albuquerque offers an exciting mix of Hispanic and Native American cultural elements. The city’s main attraction is the Old Town quarter, which has been around for over 300 years. Featuring quaint cobblestone streets and brightly colored adobe huts, the quarter is a perfect blend of the two cultures, making it a rare sight in the U.S. The quarter also houses the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city. Nature lovers will find the ABQ BioPark a pleasant surprise. Featuring an aquarium, a beach, a zoo, and a botanical garden, the park offers enough fun for the whole day. If you wish to learn more about the local Native American heritage, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the place to visit.
The Albuquerque food scene is among the most vibrant around. The state’s staple dishes are strong and spicy with a very distinctive New Mexican vibe. The best place to check out these dishes is at High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, a local favorite. Don’t forget to try out the city’s unique wine scene as well, and if you wish to sample different varieties, the Albuquerque Wine Festival is a great chance to do so.
The Alvarado Transportation Center is the busiest bus and train station in the city. Bus service by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines will take you from Albuquerque to various cities such as Phoenix, Dallas or even Chicago. For trains, the local Amtrak lines can take you to Denver, Santa Fe, Salt Lake City and beyond. The main airport of the city is the Albuquerque International Airport, 3 miles southeast of the central business district.
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 Albuquerque?
Image credit: Mr.TinDC
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Karen Blaha
Link to image attribution
Image credit: LHOON
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW
Located in a busy area in Downtown Albuquerque, Alvarado Transportation Center is a multi-modal transportation center that serves intercity buses and trains. The station is currently situated on the site of the fabled Alvarado Hotel, once a luxury railroad hotel for early 20th century travelers. Maintaining the Mission Revival style of the now-demolished hotel, the Alvarado Transportation Center features arched entryways and a large clocktower that welcomes current passengers. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line stops in Albuquerque along its Los Angeles to Chicago route, and Jefferson Lines and Greyhound operate bus service through the station as well. From the station’s downtown location, you can connect with local public transit to access the rest of the city.
All train stations in Albuquerque:
Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW
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