Cheap train tickets from El Paso to San Diego
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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from El Paso to San Diego. The train trip from El Paso to San Diego is usually about 21 hours and 8 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 21 hours.
Distance | 627 mi (1009 km) |
Fastest train | 21h 0m |
Lowest price | €136.08 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |

What is the price of a train ticket from El Paso to San Diego?
The average price for a train ticket from El Paso to San Diego is €136.56, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 19 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay €44.08 more.
Average train ticket prices from El Paso to San Diego by month
Which train should you take from El Paso to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects El Paso 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 | 21h 8m | €162.75 |
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 El Paso to San Diego every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €136.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from El Paso to San Diego
The distance between El Paso and San Diego is approximately 627 miles, or 1009 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 21 hours,
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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from El Paso to San Diego on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs El Paso at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in El Paso 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 El Paso.
City Information
El Paso

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash
El Paso takes you to a world of art, history, entertainment, and style. Also known as the Sun City, El Paso is more than just stories of outlaws and their notoriety. While it is the city where one can learn about the lives of jailbreaker Billy the Kid and gunfighter John Wesley Hardin, it is also home to inspiring historical figures such as city attorney Richard F. Burges and missionary Fray Garcia.
El Paso has an exciting mix of art galleries and museums that depicts the city's rich culture and history. These are the reasons why El Paso lures thousands of painters, sculptors, photographers, and muralists from around the world. Among the best art galleries in the area are the Agave Rosa Gallery, Encaustic International Art Studio, and Ho Baron Sculpture Garden.
El Paso delivers when it comes to family and adult entertainment as well. Kids would surely love exploring the El Paso Zoo, trying the rides at the Western Playland, and biking along the Rio Grande. For adults, El Paso's regional casinos are worth visiting. And if you’re a fan of a mixed drink, El Paso is home to some of the country’s cheapest cocktails.
El Paso is easily accessible via train, bus, or air. Flights arrive at the El Paso International Airport or just north of the state border in Las Cruces, NM (the Las Cruces Shuttle runs from this airport to El Paso several times daily). Ground travel includes train service on Amtrak and bus service on several major bus carriers from El Paso to other destinations in Texas and beyond.
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 El Paso?

Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 700 W San Francisco Ave
The Amtrak train station in El Paso was designed by Daniel Burnham, the architect of the Washington D.C. Union Station. The red-bricked building is easy to spot, though the large, green-roofed bell tower makes the building look more like a church than a train station. Inside, the church-style continues with high ceilings, arched windows, mosaic tiles, and pew-style seating. The station has plenty of parking for your car. Nearby is a small shopping center where you can get a coffee shop, candy shop, and multiple body-health stores.
All train stations in El Paso:
700 W San Francisco Ave
Where is the train station in San Diego?

Image credit: Doug Letterman
Link to image attributionMain 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
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