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Cheap train tickets from Richmond to San Diego

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Richmond to San Diego Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Richmond to San Diego?

There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from Richmond to San Diego.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$288.07
Avg. Price
$383.70
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
8
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
2d 22h 7m
Duration
3d 4h 15m

Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Richmond to San Diego. The train trip from Richmond to San Diego is usually about 76 hours and 47 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 75 hours and 53 minutes.

Distance2253 mi (3625 km)
Fastest train75h 53m
Lowest price$336.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond to San Diego?

Over the past month, a train ticket between Richmond, VA and San Diego, CA cost $336.50, on average. Due to the distance between Richmond and San Diego, train tickets on this route tend to be relatively pricey. Booking your trip at least 16 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $206.00 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$575$460$345$230$115JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from Richmond to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $375. If you're thinking of traveling from Richmond to San Diego during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $565 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Richmond to San Diego?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond to San Diego. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13d 4h 47m$432.65
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Richmond to San Diego every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $336.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Richmond to San Diego

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Richmond to San Diego. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Richmond and San Diego is approximately 2253 miles, or 3625 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 76 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 75 hours and 53 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.

Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Richmond to San Diego. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Richmond at 4:00am and arrives in San Diego around 75 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Richmond.

City Information

Richmond

As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travelers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.

Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favorites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.

Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.

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 Richmond?

7519 Staples Mill Rd  - RICAMT1-0

Image credit: Eli Christman

Link to image attribution
7519 Staples Mill Rd  - RICAMT1-1

Image credit: Avinash Kunnath

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd

Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city center, the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road is Amtrak’s busiest transport hub in the Southeast Region. The station was built in 1975 to replace the downtown Main Street Station. It now serves as an important terminal for routes traveling up and down the American East. Passengers can venture north onboard the Northeast Regional service—Amtrak’s busiest route—to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Richmond’s Amtrak Station also offers several southward connections to vacation destinations along the East Coast in [South Carolina(/train-tickets/us-sc/), Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.

All train stations in Richmond:

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • 1500 E Main St

Where is the train station in San Diego?

Main arrival station: 4005 Taylor St

San Diego receives travelers from Richmond at its two active train stations.

All train stations in San Diego:

  • 4005 Taylor St

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

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