Boston, MA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Nov 18
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 18

Cheapest price

$783

Average price

$783

Fastest journey

3 d 7 h 52 m

Average duration

3 d 7 h 55 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

4150 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA will cost around $783 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $783.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 times.

Amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
06:15AM79h52
Back Bay station, Boston, MA
11:07AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$7831One-way
3 transfers
Amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
06:10AM79h57
South Station, Boston, MA
11:07AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$7831One-way
3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Boston, MA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €137. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.2 - 3.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €137, and a train costs an average of €255.

Distance: 2578 miles (4150 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€333

Average price

€273

Average price

€243

Average price

Cheapest

70h 37m

Average total duration

70h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 26m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

70h 2m

Average total duration

69h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1.2 - 3.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

12.4 - 24.9kg

CO2 emissions

4.1 - 10.4kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Alaska Airlines

Most popular airline

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Boston, MA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Boston, MA to San Diego, CA trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:29 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner11:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA
79h57
7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA3 transfers
amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner11:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA
79h52
7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA3 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Boston, MA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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.

Tue
Nov 18
Wed
Nov 19
Thu
Nov 20
Fri
Nov 21
Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24

Journey information

Overview: Train from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 70h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $314 (€255) but you can travel from only $127 (€103) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 12:50, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 2578 miles (4150 km) distance in 75h 17m.

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
Flight from $127 (€103)
Distance
2578 miles (4150 km)
Average train duration
70h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$314 (€255)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
75h 17m
First train
12:50
Last train
16:10
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
Flight from $127 (€103)

Train companies: Amtrak from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Boston, MA and San Diego, CA from $127 (€103). 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 Duration
75h 17m
Cheapest Price
$343 (€278)
Amtrak frequency
1 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: Trains from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Boston, MA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $314 (€255), while the average price is around $412 (€333).
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The cheapest way to get from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $127 (€103).
A day trip from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 75h 17m and the distance is 2578 miles (4150 km). The frequency for this journey is 2 per day for trains.
The first train from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA leaves at 12:50 PM.
The train journey from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through diverse landscapes such as the rolling hills of the Northeast, the expansive plains of the Midwest, and the dramatic deserts and mountains of the Southwest, making it an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate varied American scenery.
Yes, you can take the train from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA.
The train from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA takes 75h 17m and runs 2 per day.
The last train from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:10 PM.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
There is no direct train service currently available from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA.
The distance by train from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA is 2578 miles (4150 km).
The train station in Boston, MA that goes to San Diego, CA is South Station, Boston, MA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
There is no high speed train available from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Boston, MA to San Diego, CA

Boston
San Diego
The major train station for departures in Boston is South Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at South Station for your trip from Boston to San Diego.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
13
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via Atlantic Avenue.
Dining
Dining
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Tavern in the Square
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • InterContinental Boston
  • The Langham, Boston
  • Boston Harbor Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Budget
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms 1-5 for Amtrak services
  • Hall 2: platforms 6-13 for MBTA Commuter Rail services
  • Bus terminal located on the upper level.
Public transit options for South Station
  • Subway: Red Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Commuter Rail: Multiple lines
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
5
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with several garages in the vicinity.
Dining
Dining
  • Sorellina
  • Atlantic Fish Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Copley Square Hotel
  • The Westin Copley Place
  • Fairmont Copley Plaza
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Enterprise
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-3 for Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail
  • Hall 2: Orange Line subway platforms
Public transit options for Back Bay Station
  • Subway: Orange Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Commuter Rail: Framingham/Worcester Line, Franklin Line, Needham Line, Providence/Stoughton Line

Most popular trains to and from San Diego, CA and Boston, MA

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