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Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from San Diego to Ithaca. The train trip from San Diego to Ithaca is usually about 73 hours and 56 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 73 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 2303 mi (3705 km) |
| Fastest train | 73h 53m |
| Lowest price | $302.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from San Diego to Ithaca?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Ithaca. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 3d 1h 57m | $302.50 |
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 Ithaca every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $302.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Diego and Ithaca is approximately 2303 miles, or 3705 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 73 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 73 hours and 53 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 from San Diego to Ithaca are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs San Diego at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 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 Ithaca 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.
Ithaca
Blessed with over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles, Ithaca is every outdoors fan’s petit haven. The most notable, and the tallest of the bunch, is the Taughannock Falls. There are hiking trails located close to the falls that will provide an amazing overlook of the falls itself, but do stay away from the water in the gorges. If hiking is not your cup of tea, perhaps a boat cruise on Lake Cayuga, which is the longest of the Finger Lakes, will offer the tranquility and peace of mind you need. For culturally-inclined tourists, don’t hesitate to take a short detour to the State Theatre of Ithaca, which offers top-tier shows and concerts that charm locals and visitors alike.
Ithaca boasts even more restaurants per capita than New York City, and its amazing food scene seems to have a little bit of everything for everyone. For the best burger in town, check out Ithaca Ale House. If Italian food is your thing, the door at Franco’s is wide open for you.
Several bus carriers conduct trips in and out of Ithaca, including Greyhound, OurBus, Flixbus and New York Trailways. Unfortunately, there are currently no Amtrak trains that go to Ithaca. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport serves as the town’s main airport. It is located three miles northeast of the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main departure station: 4005 Taylor St
There are two stations in San Diego where you can board the train to Ithaca.
All train stations in San Diego:
4005 Taylor St
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Where is the train station in Ithaca?
Main arrival station: Ithaca, New York
The Ithaca bus station at 131 E Green St is only a short walk from the downtown district. This station serves several leading bus carriers, including OurBus, FlixBus US, New York Trailways, and Greyhound, with buses departing regularly. Its handy location adjacent to a convenience store means that you can pick up any last-minute supplies for your trip. The bus station is also a short walk from the Ithaca Commons shopping center; here you can catch a movie while you kill time between connections. If shopping isn't your thing, take a walk along the nearby Six Mile Creek to stretch your legs before your journey.
All train stations in Ithaca:
Ithaca, New York
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