Cheap train tickets from Austin to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Austin to San Diego. Traveling by train from Austin to San Diego usually takes 42 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 40 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 1155 mi (1859 km) |
| Fastest train | 40h 30m |
| Lowest price | $265.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Austin to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Austin to San Diego?
There are usually 26 daily bus trips available from Austin to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$324.33 | Avg. Price$269.49Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips26 |
Duration | Duration42h 8mFaster | Duration44h 17m |
There are several train options that can take you from Austin to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Austin to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Austin to San Diego was $265.50. Considering the distance between Austin 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 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $176.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Austin to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Austin to San Diego will cost between $191 and $270. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Austin to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from Austin 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 $214. If you're thinking of traveling from Austin to San Diego during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $302 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 Austin to San Diego on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $176.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Austin to San Diego?
There are multiple trains that travel from Austin 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 | 42h 8m | $324.33 |
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 Austin to San Diego every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $232.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Austin to San Diego
Trains leave the station in Austin 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 Austin. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Austin to San Diego for $139.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Austin and San Diego is approximately 1155 miles, or 1859 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 42 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 40 hours and 30 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)
1155
DISTANCE (KM)
1859
The earliest train departs Austin at 7:22pm while the last train of the day leaves at 7:22pm. 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
7:22pm
LATEST TRAIN
7:22pm
Trains from Austin 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Austin
Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and one of the best vacation destinations in Texas. Known as Texas’s “weird” city, Austin is famous for being the southern mecca for the arts. In addition to being a hot spot for both emerging and established artists from Texas and the surrounding states, Austin is well known for its eclectic live music scene. In addition, the University of Texas’ main campus is located in Austin, which makes the city a popular destination for young people from all over the world, keeping it vibrant at all times. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the top party cities in the U.S.
While you’re in town, make sure to stop by the hip South Congress neighborhood to shop at the trendy boutiques and grab some grub at the authentically Austin restaurants. Since Austin is one of the best craft beer cities in the country, you won’t regret checking out some of the local breweries too. After that, head over to Lady Bird Lake and rent a kayak for a relaxing paddling session on the water, or simply go for a walk on the picturesque Hike & Bike Trail. Finally, spend the night bar hopping along the pedestrian-only Sixth Street.
While the Austin airport is located on the outskirts of the city, the main train station is right in the heart of downtown. Similarly, the two bus stations that serve Austin are located close to the city center, making ground transportation the more convenient way to travel in and out of town.
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 Austin?
Main departure station: 250 N Lamar Blvd
Built in 1947, the Amtrak Station in Austin is one of the stops along Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route which runs from Chicago to San Antonio and connects to Los Angeles. The station, located at 250 N Lamar Boulevard, sits near the banks of the Colorado River in downtown Austin. With just a quick walk from the station, you can reach the beautiful Ladybird Lake-Lamar Beach Park, stylish shopping and dining in the 2nd Street District, and even the state capital complex. Same-day and overnight parking is available at the station, as well as restrooms and vending machines inside.
All train stations in Austin:
- 250 N Lamar Blvd
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 Austin?
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