Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to San Diego. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to San Diego usually takes 3 days, 1 hour, and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 days, 1 hour, and 20 minutes.
- Distance
- 2368 mi (3811 km)
- Fastest train
- 73h 20m
- Lowest price
- MX$11,426.86
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Philadelphia to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to San Diego?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceMX$9,513.00 | Avg. PriceMX$5,872.92Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration73h 48m | Duration72h 54mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to San Diego:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from Philadelphia to San Diego
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to San Diego by travel date
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to San Diego by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to San Diego. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 73h 48m | MX$9,513.00 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to San Diego
Trains leave the station in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to San Diego for MX$2,833.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Philadelphia and San Diego is approximately 2,368 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 1 hour, and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 days, 1 hour, and 20 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)
2368
Distance (km)
3811
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 12:01 PM while the last train of the day leaves at 12:32 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
12:01pm
Last train
12:32pm
Trains from Philadelphia to San Diego are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
Philadelphia



We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
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 Philadelphia?
Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
- 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot

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 Philadelphia?
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