Cheap train tickets from Santa Maria to San Diego
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Santa Maria to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Santa Maria to San Diego?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Santa Maria to San Diego.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCZK 1,611.62 | Avg. PriceCZK 1,611.62 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration9h 20m | Duration8h 27m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Santa Maria to San Diego. Traveling by train from Santa Maria to San Diego usually takes 8 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 243 mi (392 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 12m |
| Lowest price | CZK 1,611.62 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |

Price trends for trains from Santa Maria to San Diego
Average train ticket prices from Santa Maria to San Diego by month
Which train should you take from Santa Maria to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Maria to San Diego. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 8h 28m | CZK 1,611.62 |
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 Santa Maria to San Diego every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 1,612.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Maria to San Diego
The distance between Santa Maria and San Diego is approximately 243 miles, or 392 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 12 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.
Trains from Santa Maria to San Diego 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Santa Maria at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
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 San Diego to Santa Maria.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Maria?
Main departure station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
There is one train station in Santa Maria.
All train stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St
San Diego receives travelers from Santa Maria at its two active train stations.
All train stations in San Diego:
4005 Taylor St
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
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Need a return trip from San Diego to Santa Maria?
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- Santa Maria to San Diego



