Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Tacoma
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Diego to Tacoma. Traveling by train from San Diego to Tacoma usually takes 36 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 36 hours and 28 minutes.
| Distance | 1042 mi (1677 km) |
| Fastest train | 36h 28m |
| Lowest price | $239.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Diego to Tacoma Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Diego to Tacoma?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Tacoma.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$291.63 | Avg. Price$288.75Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration36h 33mFaster | Duration44h 34m |
There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Tacoma:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Tacoma?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Diego to Tacoma was $239.50. Considering the distance between San Diego and Tacoma, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $89.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Tacoma by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Tacoma will cost between $155 and $329. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Tacoma by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Tacoma 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 $186. If you're thinking of traveling from San Diego to Tacoma during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $271 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 Tacoma on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $89.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Diego to Tacoma?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Diego to Tacoma, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 36h 33m | $291.63 |
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 Tacoma every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $239.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Diego to Tacoma
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 Tacoma to San Diego. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Tacoma for $150.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Diego and Tacoma is approximately 1042 miles, or 1677 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 36 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 36 hours and 28 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)
1042
DISTANCE (KM)
1677
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Diego at 6:01am and arrives in Tacoma around 36 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:01am
LATEST TRAIN
6:10am
Trains from San Diego to Tacoma are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.
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 Tacoma.
All train stations in San Diego:
- 4005 Taylor St
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Where does the train arrive in Tacoma?
Main arrival station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The bus terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service center with restrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.
All train stations in Tacoma:
- 422 E. 25th St.
Need a return trip from Tacoma to San Diego?
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