The cheapest and fastest trains from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$1106
Average price
$1106
Fastest journey
2 d 29 m
Average duration
2 d 29 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
3167 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA will cost around $1106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $1106.
It's difficult to get from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
9:35 AM48h29Detroit, MI10:04 AMSan Diego, CA$11061One-way2 transfers
9:35 AM48h29Detroit, MI10:04 AMSan Diego, CA$11061One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $146. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.0 - 2.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $146, and a flight costs an average of $196.
Distance: 1967 miles (3167 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$271 Average price | $229 Average price Cheapest | $584 Average price | $481 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
51h 36m Average total duration 51h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50h 20m Average total duration 49h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 47m Average total duration Fastest 5h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 33h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.2 - 7.9kg CO2 emissions | 9.5 - 19.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $42 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average $271 (€219).
A bus is $355 (€286) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA costing on average $584 (€471).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 49h 50m.
Train takes on average 51h 6m.
Tickets start at around $271 (€219) compared to roughly $481 (€388) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $210 (€169). The journey takes 51h 6m versus 33h 53m 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.
Live departures
Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:26 AM Detroit, MI | 57h41 | 8:07 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 Detroit, MI 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.
May 28
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Jun 03
Journey information
Overview: Train from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA
Trains from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 51h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $251 (€203) but you can travel from only $146 (€118) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 1967 miles (3167 km) distance in 57h 41m.
Distance 1967 miles (3167 km) |
Average train duration 51h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $251 (€203) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 57h 41m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Amtrak from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Detroit, MI and San Diego, CA from $146 (€118). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available adjacent to the station.
- Cuisine Restaurant
- New Center Eatery
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $1
- Hotel St. Regis
- The Inn on Ferry Street
- MotorCity Casino Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas
- platforms are accessible via the main entrance.
- QLine streetcar
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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
Most popular train connections from Detroit, MI
More options for your journey from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA
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