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San Diego to Anaheim train

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San Diego - Anaheim Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 9 daily train trips available from San Diego to Anaheim. Traveling by train from San Diego to Anaheim usually takes 2 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 58 minutes.

Distance89 mi (143 km)
Fastest train1h 58m
Lowest price$28.00
Trains per day18
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Diego to Anaheim

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

James

October 18, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Stress free and relaxing

5.0

Diane F.

May 21, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: Beautiful views and restful atmosphere. Cons: Nothing! Tips: Take the trip as many times as you can.

4.0

Geraldine

September 19, 2019- Business

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: I liked how calm everything was, from purchasing the ticket to the ride home. Cons: Security on the train. Anyone can get one with any weapon. Nothing is checked. If a problem arises, where do the passengers go? Tips: Don't sit in the very back...The train wiggles allot and can be felt back there.

Price trends for trains from San Diego to Anaheim

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15AprApr

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10MJJASONDJFMA

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Which train should you take from San Diego to Anaheim?

2 train services operate from San Diego to Anaheim. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak32h 9m$30.49
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner72h 4m$30.00
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Anaheim every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $28.

  • The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 7 train trips from San Diego to Anaheim every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Diego to Anaheim. 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 San Diego and Anaheim is approximately 89 miles, or 143 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 58 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

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

The earliest train departs San Diego at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 9 scheduled trains on most days. 18 of these are direct connections to Anaheim. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Anaheim to San Diego.

City Information

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.

Anaheim

Anaheim, CA - ANA-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Anaheim, CA - ANA-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Anaheim, CA - ANA-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Known and beloved for the famous Disneyland Resort, Anaheim is one of California's top destinations, offering magical resorts, theme parks, and stellar shopping districts. The crown of Anaheim is Disneyland Resort, one of the most famous theme parks in the world. Featuring numerous themed areas such as Tomorrowland, Frontierland, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the park will enchant you all day! If you are not into the fanfares of Disneyland, the more affordable Adventure City is a good alternative. Yorba Regional Park, located just 10 miles east of downtown Anaheim, is a pleasant spot for picnicking and strolling along the Santa Ana River.

Disneyland is a popular destination for foodies, offering a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from Creole dishes to Mediterranean ones; some restaurants even feature meet & greets with your favorite Disney characters. However, if you wish to dine like a true local outside of Micky Mouse's reach, don't hesitate to check out the Anaheim Packing District, which features as many as 20 artisan eateries.

Anaheim's principal bus station is the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, located at 2626 E Katella Ave near Angel Stadium downtown. Bus travelers can take Greyhound or FlixBus US intercity buses heading inbound and outbound from the city or hop on an Amtrak train at the adjacent train station.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Diego?

San Diego, CA - Santa Fe Depot (1050 Kettner Blvd) - SANAMT2-0

Image credit: Doug Letterman

Link to image attribution

Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Anaheim?

Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave  - ANAAMT-0

Image credit: Ron Reiring

Link to image attribution
Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave  - ANAAMT-1

Image credit: Jay Stewart

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave

The futuristic Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) at 2626 E Katella Ave is one of California's busiest intermodal transit centers. The station is both an iconic gateway to Orange County and a tourism destination in itself. The curved design features diamond-shaped steel arches, recreating the grandeur of major early 20th-century railway stations. This immense transit hub links Amtrak, Greyhound, OCTA bus service, Metrolink, and Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) services. It has everything: transit-oriented retail, parking, lockers, bike racks, specialty dining, and community space. ARTIC is near several points of interest, including Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center.

All train stations in Anaheim:

  • Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave

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