San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, 29 Sept
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Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
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Trenitalia
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
Trenitalia
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 29 Sept

Cheapest price on 29 Sept

51S$

Average ticket price on 29 Sept

52S$

Fastest journey on 29 Sept

2 h 47 m

Average journey duration on 29 Sept

2 h 47 m

Trains on 29 Sept

26

Distance

180 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around 52S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 51S$.

Fast trains

On Tue, 29 Sept, we found 26 trains from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA, including 26 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 47 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner
    6:10 AM2h47
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    8:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    51 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak591 Pacific Surfliner
    7:10 PM2h47
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    9:57 PMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    51 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner
    4:10 AM2h47
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    6:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    51 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak567 Pacific Surfliner
    7:10 AM2h47
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    9:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    51 S$1One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner
    4:10 PM2h47
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    6:57 PMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    51 S$1One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Monday, 28 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak567 Pacific Surfliner7:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak567 Pacific Surfliner7:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner8:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak573 Pacific Surfliner10:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak573 Pacific Surfliner10:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner12:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak579 Pacific Surfliner1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
3:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak579 Pacific Surfliner1:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
3:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak581 Pacific Surfliner2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
4:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak581 Pacific Surfliner2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
4:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
6:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
6:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak587 Pacific Surfliner5:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
3h03
8:04 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak587 Pacific Surfliner5:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h54
8:04 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak591 Pacific Surfliner7:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
2h56
9:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak591 Pacific Surfliner7:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
2h47
9:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA?

The best time to book your train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 91 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA

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Trains from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 25 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 48S$ but you can travel from only 26S$ by coach.

There are 25 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 180 km distance in 2h 42m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 26S$
Distance
180 km
Average train duration
2h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
48S$
Trains per day
25
Direct trains
25
Fastest train
2h 42m
First train
3:50 AM
Last train
10:10 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
91 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 26S$

Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA from 26S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
2h 42m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
48S$
Amtrak frequency
26 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA can start from as little as 48S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 50S$; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 2h 42m to travel the 180 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 3:50 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 10:10 pm.
Yes, there are 25 direct trains a day from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to Los Angeles, CA. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Los Angeles, CA from San Diego, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 42m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA including taking a train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA

Most San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chatsworth Station. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in San Diego
Arrival train stations in Los Angeles

Which San Diego, CA station do trains to Los Angeles, CA leave from?

Trains from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA leave from Santa Fe Depot. The station is 1 km from San Diego, CA city centre at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
Santa Fe Depot1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre

Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · 8S$ · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min

Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services

Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.

Old Town Station4009 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110, United StatesWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Old Town Station from San Diego city centre

Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCoaster · 7m · 9S$ · every ~2 min
Pacific Surfliner · 7m · 2S$ · every ~2 min
BusFlixBus 2017 · 15m · 2S$
83 · 26m · 8S$
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 9m · every ~18 min
Blue · 14m · every ~9 min

Old Town Station train station facilities and services

Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.

More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USASan Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA train

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