Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $100. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $100, and a flight costs an average of $304.
Distance: 452 miles (728 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$109 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $304 Average price | $767 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 29m Average total duration 16h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 44m Average total duration 12h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration Fastest 5h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA:
A bus is $9 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA costing on average $109.
A bus is $204 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA costing on average $304.
Other travel options to San Marcos, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 14m.
Train takes on average 16h 59m.
Tickets start at around $109 compared to roughly $767 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $658. The journey takes 16h 59m versus 7h 25m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA
Trains from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA run on average 19 times per day, taking around 16h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $109 but you can travel from only $100 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 14:05, the last at 14:05. The fastest train covers the 452 miles (728 km) distance in 16h 59m.
Distance 452 miles (728 km) |
Average train duration 16h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $109 |
Trains per day 19 |
Fastest train 16h 59m |
First train 2:05 PM |
Last train 2:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
FAQs: Trains from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Davis, CA to San Marcos, 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 Marcos, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA
Most Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA trains use the Davis Station to Oceanside Transportation Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Davis, CA and San Marcos, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Davis, CA station do trains to San Marcos, CA leave from?
Getting to Davis Station from Davis city centre
Davis Station train station facilities and services
Davis Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bistro 33, Burgers and Brew
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Davis Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Davis Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Davis Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Davis Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Davis Station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Best Western University Lodge, Aggie Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, Hallmark Inn UC Davis.
Most popular train connections from Davis, CA
More options for your journey from Davis, CA to San Marcos, CA
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