The cheapest and fastest trains from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
1 h 48 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
39
Distance
125 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Costa Mesa, CA 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 Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 39 trains that leave Costa Mesa, CA for San Diego, CA on Sat, May 02, 39 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 02 the direct trains cover the 125 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 48 m .
On Sat, May 02 the slowest trains will take 1 h 51 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.
572 Pacific Surfliner12:12 PM1h55Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA2:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$311One-way0 transfers
790 Pacific Surfliner9:12 PM1h55Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA11:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$311One-way0 transfers
580 Pacific Surfliner4:12 PM1h55Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA6:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$311One-way0 transfers
564 Pacific Surfliner8:12 AM1h55Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA10:07 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$311One-way0 transfers
588 Pacific Surfliner8:12 PM1h55Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA10:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$311One-way0 transfers
562 Pacific Surfliner7:01 AM1h48Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA8:49 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$331One-way0 transfers
794 Pacific Surfliner11:01 PM1h49Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$331One-way0 transfers
790 Pacific Surfliner9:01 PM1h50Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA10:51 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$331One-way0 transfers
782 Pacific Surfliner5:01 PM1h51Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA6:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$331One-way0 transfers
564 Pacific Surfliner8:01 AM1h51Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA9:52 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$331One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $30.
Distance: 77 miles (125 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$31 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest |
2h 23m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Friday, May 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:12 PM Costa Mesa, CA | 1h55 | 10:07 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
May 02
May 03
May 04
May 05
May 06
May 07
May 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 29 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 28 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:12. The fastest train covers the 77 miles (125 km) distance in 1h 48m.
Distance 77 miles (125 km) |
Average train duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Trains per day 29 |
Direct trains 28 |
Fastest train 1h 48m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:12 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Costa Mesa, CA and San Diego, CA from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Costa Mesa, CA 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
More options for your journey from Costa Mesa, CA to San Diego, CA
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