Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Philadelphia
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Diego to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from San Diego to Philadelphia usually takes 78 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 69 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 2368 mi (3811 km) |
| Fastest train | 69h 49m |
| Lowest price | $499.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Diego to Philadelphia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Diego to Philadelphia?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Philadelphia.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$531.86 | Avg. Price$366.59Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration78h 24m | Duration70h 4mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Philadelphia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Philadelphia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Philadelphia was $520.50. Considering the distance between San Diego and Philadelphia, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $148.17 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Philadelphia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Philadelphia will cost between $314 and $669. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Philadelphia by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Philadelphia 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 $445. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Philadelphia during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $572 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 Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $148.17 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Diego to Philadelphia?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Diego to Philadelphia, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 78h 24m | $531.86 |
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 Philadelphia every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $348.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia to San Diego. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Philadelphia for $140.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Diego and Philadelphia is approximately 2368 miles, or 3811 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 78 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 69 hours and 49 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)
2368
DISTANCE (KM)
3811
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 Philadelphia 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
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.
Philadelphia
We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
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 Philadelphia.
All train stations in San Diego:
- 4005 Taylor St
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Where does the train arrive in Philadelphia?
Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Philadelphia has one train station.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
- 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Need a return trip from Philadelphia to San Diego?
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