Cheap train tickets from St Louis to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from St Louis to San Diego. Traveling by train from St Louis to San Diego usually takes 65 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 63 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 1561 mi (2512 km) |
| Fastest train | 63h 42m |
| Lowest price | $278.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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St Louis to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from St Louis to San Diego?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from St Louis to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$377.00 | Avg. Price$323.06Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration65h 20m | Duration52h 3mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from St Louis to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from St Louis to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from St Louis to San Diego was $278.50. Considering the distance between St Louis 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 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $142.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from St Louis to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from St Louis to San Diego will cost between $232 and $279. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from St Louis to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from St Louis 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 $239. If you're thinking of traveling from St Louis to San Diego during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $325 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 St Louis to San Diego on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about $142.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from St Louis to San Diego?
There are multiple trains that travel from St Louis 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 | 65h 20m | $377.00 |
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 St Louis to San Diego every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $278.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from St Louis to San Diego
Trains leave the station in St Louis 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 St Louis. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from St Louis to San Diego for $147.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between St Louis and San Diego is approximately 1561 miles, or 2512 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 65 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 63 hours and 42 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)
1561
DISTANCE (KM)
2512
The earliest train departs St Louis at 8:10pm while the last train of the day leaves at 8:10pm. 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
8:10pm
LATEST TRAIN
8:10pm
Trains from St Louis to San Diego are the most crowded on Friday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
St Louis
St. Louis is one of several major cities in the state of Missouri and it is uniquely located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The city is usually recognized by its most distinctive feature, the Gateway Arch, thanks to which it is the only city in the United States that has a national park in the heart of its downtown district. The Arch is a must-see attraction and you can even take a tram to the top for some incredible views of the St. Louis skyline.
Some of the other truly unique attractions you can visit while you’re in town include the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis where you can check out an incredible collection of dolls, dollhouses and vignettes, and the City Museum where you can ride down a 10-story spiral slide (yup, you read that right.) For a great outdoor experience, stop by the gorgeous Missouri Botanical Garden, and then take a stroll through Citygarden where you will find various quirky statues and installations worthy of being featured in your Instagram feed.
Ale enthusiasts would be excited to know that St. Louis is one of the best craft beer cities in the U.S. as well as one of the cheapest drinking cities. That means your party budget could take you a long way. Unsurprisingly, the city is also among the best spring break destinations on a budget.
The main bus and train station in St. Louis, Gateway Station, is located right in the center of downtown, not far from the Gateway Arch, which makes coming in and out of the city 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 does the train leave from in St Louis?
Main departure station: Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
Gateway Station opened in 2008 to consolidate St Louis’ transportation services into one central hub. The station’s award-winning design includes a pedestrian walkway with expansive colored glass windows overlooking the train tracks. Perfectly located in the heart of downtown St Louis, the station is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and hotels and is just a few blocks from Busch Stadium and the iconic Gateway Arch. Amenities inside the station include free Wifi, a food court, and a lounge for Amtrak’s First Class passengers. Gateway Station is a major stop for intercity bus service, several Amtrak train lines, and the city’s MetroLink which can connect you with the St Louis Lambert International Airport in just 30 minutes.
All train stations in St Louis:
- Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St
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 St Louis?
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