Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Houston
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Diego to Houston. Traveling by train from San Diego to Houston usually takes 41 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 41 hours.
| Distance | 1301 mi (2094 km) |
| Fastest train | 41h |
| Lowest price | $274.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Diego to Houston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Diego to Houston?
There are usually 11 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Houston.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$327.80 | Avg. Price$246.54Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips11 |
Duration | Duration41h 5mFaster | Duration42h 25m |
There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Houston:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Houston?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Houston was $274.50. Considering the distance between San Diego and Houston, 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 $181.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Houston by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Houston will cost between $179 and $238. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Houston by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Houston 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 $217. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Houston during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $309 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Diego to Houston on Wanderu at least 5 days ahead of time, you can save about $181.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Diego to Houston?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Diego to Houston, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 41h 4m | $327.80 |
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 Houston every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $200.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Houston
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 Houston to San Diego. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Houston for $147.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Diego and Houston is approximately 1301 miles, or 2094 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 41 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 41 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)
1301
DISTANCE (KM)
2094
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Diego at 4:01pm and arrives in Houston around 41 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:01pm
LATEST TRAIN
4:10pm
Trains from San Diego to Houston are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
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.
Houston
Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
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 Houston?
Main arrival station: 902 Washington Ave
The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Restrooms, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.
All train stations in Houston:
- 902 Washington Ave
Need a return trip from Houston to San Diego?
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