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Cheap train tickets from Ventura to San Diego

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Ventura to San Diego Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Ventura to San Diego. Traveling by train from Ventura to San Diego usually takes 5 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can make the trip in 5 hours and 6 minutes.

Distance161 mi (258 km)
Fastest train5h 6m
Lowest price$42.00
Trains per day6
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Ventura to San Diego

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Ivan

June 24, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: it was very nice, clean, good trip. Cons: more variety in coffee station.

5.0

Ron

June 3, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Smooth ride and quite. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Be on time.

What is the price of a train ticket from Ventura to San Diego?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Ventura to San Diego was $42.50. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $0.51 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Ventura to San Diego by month

$50$40$30$20$10ASONDJFMAMJJ
Taking the train from Ventura to San Diego usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $43 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

The price of train trips from Ventura to San Diego doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Ventura to San Diego?

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is the one and only train line which connects Ventura to San Diego. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner65h 23m$42.75
  • 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 6 train trips from Ventura to San Diego every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $42.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Ventura to San Diego

The distance between Ventura and San Diego is approximately 161 miles, or 258 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 6 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 Ventura 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Ventura at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 6 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Ventura to San Diego.

You can also take a train for your return trip from San Diego to Ventura.

City Information

Ventura

Ventura, CA, US - VEC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Ventura is a beach town near LA, located on the Central Coast of California. It is known for its different beaches, like the San Buenaventura State Beach, which features the wooden Ventura Pier. Ventura is known as one of the best surf towns in America, with scenic coasts and impressive waves. Surfer's Point is the town's most popular spot for surfing and windsurfing. One of the popular tourist locations in the city is Channel Islands National Park, which is a habitat for rare island foxes and scrub jays, and can be accessed by boat from the Ventura Harbor. Explore Main Street in Downtown Ventura for more landmarks and historical sites.

Ventura has a lively art scene, with different galleries and museums in the downtown area. Enjoy entertaining theatre at the Rubicon Theatre Company, or go on short-day cruises with friends and family. The city also offers an eclectic food scene with Polynesian and Nepalese restaurants and wineries that will surprise you. Its nightlife consists of bars, lounges, breweries, comedy clubs, and taprooms, like The Tavern, all littered in Downtown Ventura.

Ventura is easily accessible from other cities by train routes provided by Amtrak and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and bus lines by FlixBus US and Amtrak Thruway. The Ventura County Transportation Commission provides commuter bus routes throughout the city.

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 Ventura?

Main departure station: Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops

There is one train station in Ventura.

All train stations in Ventura:

  • Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops

Where is the train station in San Diego?

Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St

San Diego receives travelers from Ventura at its two active train stations.

All train stations in San Diego:

  • 4005 Taylor St

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Diego by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from San Diego to Ventura?

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