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Cheap train tickets from San Jose to San Diego
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from San Jose to San Diego. Traveling by train from San Jose to San Diego usually takes 13 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 11 hours and 2 minutes.
- Distance
- 416 mi (670 km)
- Fastest train
- 11h 2m
- Lowest price
- $97.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Jose to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Jose to San Diego?
There are usually 13 daily bus trips available from San Jose to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$145.90 | Avg. Price$106.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips13 |
Duration | Duration13h 58m | Duration13h 41mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Jose to San Diego (Based on 1 rating and review)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to San Diego was $136. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. 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 $13.52 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to San Diego will cost between $127 and $150. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $118. If you're thinking of traveling from San Jose to San Diego during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $133 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 Jose to San Diego on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $13.52 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Jose to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to San Diego. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 8 | 13h 58m | $145.90 |
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 8 Amtrak trains from San Jose to San Diego every day, as well as 15 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $97.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Jose to San Diego
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to San Diego. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
There are 8 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 San Diego to San Jose. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Jose to San Diego for $53.
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Jose and San Diego is approximately 416 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 2 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)
416
Distance (km)
670
The earliest train departs San Jose at 4:45 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 11:45 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:45am
Last train
11:45pm
Trains from San Jose to San Diego 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
San Jose
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Main departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
- Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot
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
Need a return trip from San Diego to San Jose?
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