Cheap train tickets from Tacoma to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Tacoma to San Diego. Traveling by train from Tacoma to San Diego usually takes 37 hours, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 34 hours and 9 minutes.
| Distance | 1042 mi (1677 km) |
| Fastest train | 34h 9m |
| Lowest price | $163.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Tacoma to San Diego Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Tacoma to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Tacoma to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Tacoma to San Diego was $247.56. Considering the distance between Tacoma 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 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $84.36 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Tacoma to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Tacoma to San Diego will cost between $183 and $306. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Tacoma to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from Tacoma to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $196. If you're thinking of traveling from Tacoma to San Diego during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $295 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 Tacoma to San Diego on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $84.36 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Tacoma to San Diego?
There are multiple trains that travel from Tacoma 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 | 4 | 37h | $310.50 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Tacoma to San Diego every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $163.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Tacoma to San Diego
There are 4 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 Tacoma. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Tacoma to San Diego for $141.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Tacoma and San Diego is approximately 1042 miles, or 1677 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 37 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 34 hours and 9 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)
1042
DISTANCE (KM)
1677
The earliest train departs Tacoma at 10:43am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:43am. 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
10:43am
LATEST TRAIN
10:43am
Trains from Tacoma 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Wednesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north 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 does the train leave from in Tacoma?
Main departure station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The bus terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service center with restrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.
All train stations in Tacoma:
- 422 E. 25th St.
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 Tacoma?
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