Cheap train tickets from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 13 daily train trips available from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. Traveling by train from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego usually takes one hour and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can make the trip in one hour and 23 minutes.
- Distance
- 62 mi (99 km)
- Fastest train
- 1h 23m
- Lowest price
- €20.49
- Trains per day
- 13
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
- Train lines
- 1
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San Juan Capistrano to San Diego Train Schedule

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There are several train options that can take you from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego
Average train ticket prices from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego by travel date
Average train ticket prices from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego?
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is the one and only train line which connects San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. However, there are 13 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 13 | 1h 34m | €20.93 |
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 13 train trips from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from €20.49.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego
There are 13 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to San Juan Capistrano. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego for €34.
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
13
The distance between San Juan Capistrano and San Diego is approximately 62 miles, or 99 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 23 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Distance (mi)
62
Distance (km)
99
The earliest train departs San Juan Capistrano at 7:26am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:53pm. 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
7:26am
Last train
11:53pm
Trains from San Juan Capistrano to San Diego are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
San Juan Capistrano

Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.
San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The "Jewel of California Missions" includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.
The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.
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 Juan Capistrano?
Main departure station: 26701 Verdugo St
There is one train station in San Juan Capistrano.
All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:
- 26701 Verdugo 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 Juan Capistrano?
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