Cheap train tickets from New Orleans to San Diego
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from New Orleans to San Diego. Traveling by train from New Orleans to San Diego usually takes 52 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 50 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 1606 mi (2584 km) |
| Fastest train | 50h 52m |
| Lowest price | $247.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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New Orleans to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from New Orleans to San Diego?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from New Orleans to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$334.17 | Avg. Price$240.93Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration52h 30mFaster | Duration68h 25m |
There are several train options that can take you from New Orleans to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from New Orleans to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from New Orleans to San Diego was $247.50. Considering the distance between New Orleans and San Diego, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $163.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New Orleans to San Diego will cost between $205 and $292. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from New Orleans to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from New Orleans to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $251. If you're thinking of traveling from New Orleans to San Diego during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $390 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from New Orleans to San Diego on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $163.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from New Orleans to San Diego?
There are multiple trains that travel from New Orleans to San Diego, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 52h 30m | $334.17 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from New Orleans to San Diego every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $247.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from New Orleans to San Diego
Trains leave the station in New Orleans twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 San Diego to New Orleans. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from New Orleans to San Diego for $236.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between New Orleans and San Diego is approximately 1606 miles, or 2584 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 52 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 50 hours and 52 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)
1606
DISTANCE (KM)
2584
The earliest train departs New Orleans at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
9:00am
LATEST TRAIN
9:00am
Trains from New Orleans 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
New Orleans
New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
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 does the train leave from in New Orleans?
Main departure station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
All train stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Where does the train arrive in San Diego?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
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 New Orleans?
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