Cheap train tickets from Reno to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Reno to San Diego. Traveling by train from Reno to San Diego usually takes 17 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 493 mi (794 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 5m |
| Lowest price | $136.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Reno to San Diego Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Reno to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Reno to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Reno to San Diego was $149.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $12.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Reno to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Reno to San Diego will cost between $146 and $158. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Reno to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from Reno to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $152. If you're thinking of traveling from Reno to San Diego during February, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $174 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in February, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Reno to San Diego on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about $12.50 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Reno to San Diego?
There are multiple trains that travel from Reno 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 | 3 | 17h 53m | $154.67 |
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 Reno to San Diego every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $136.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Reno to San Diego
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 Reno. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Reno to San Diego for $94.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Reno and San Diego is approximately 493 miles, or 794 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 5 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)
493
DISTANCE (KM)
794
The earliest train departs Reno at 7:45am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:30pm. 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
7:45am
LATEST TRAIN
2:30pm
Trains from Reno 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Reno
Dazzling with neon lights and bustling through the night, Reno is a great destination for those seeking top-class entertainment. Though considerably outshined by Las Vegas, Reno still brings unique attractions to the table. Among the most notable destinations for non-gamblers is an independent art scene down at Riverwalk, where indie galleries as well as restaurants abound. Fans of the great outdoors should not miss out on nearby Lake Tahoe, which stands among the most beautiful vacation destinations in the country.
At its core, Reno is still a city for gamblers, and it certainly does not disappoint. Slot machines, table games and cabaret shows are available at the local casinos, ready to tempt risk-takers who wish to court Lady Luck.
Right in the heart of downtown Reno, you will find the Reno Amtrak station from where you can take a train to Northern California and beyond. The local Reno-Tahoe International Airport is located outside of the city and it provides quick access to international flight routes. The main bus stop that serves Reno is also located at the airport.
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 Reno?
Main departure station: Reno Amtrak Train Station
The Amtrak Station in Reno is one of the main travel hubs in the city and opened in 1868. Located on North Center St, the station is surrounded by the casinos, restaurants, and hotels which put Reno on the map. Due to its downtown location, the station waiting area and the train tracks are actually placed below ground level. The California Zephyr train line passes through this station on its route from Chicago to Emeryville as well as Amtrak Thruway buses which connect to Sacramento.
All train stations in Reno:
- Reno Amtrak Train Station
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 Reno?
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