- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and an extensive collection of restored aircraft.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
2 h 26 m
Average duration
2 h 26 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
147 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 3 trains that leave Fullerton, CA for San Diego, CA on Wed, May 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 20 the direct trains cover the 147 km distance in an average of 2 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 26 m .
On Wed, May 20 the slowest trains will take 2 h 26 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Fullerton, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 6m. 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 $15, and a train costs an average of $31.
Distance: 91 miles (147 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $26 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Fullerton, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $9 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Fullerton, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 15m.
Tickets start at around $35 (€28) compared to roughly $28 (€22) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.21 (€-5.82). The journey takes 2h 15m versus 1h 41m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Fullerton, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h08 | 8:49 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h23 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 9:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 10:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 11:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 10:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 1:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:41 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 3:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 3:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 5:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 5:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h11 | 7:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 5:41 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 2h26 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Fullerton, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 22 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by bus.
There are 21 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 91 miles (147 km) distance in 2h 23m.
Distance 91 miles (147 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 22 |
Direct trains 21 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
A historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and an extensive collection of restored aircraft.
Features works from Spanish and Italian old masters, South Asian paintings, and 19th-20th century American art.
Showcases contemporary art in a stunning seaside location, offering a dynamic experience for visitors.
Known for rugged coastline, upscale shopping, and vibrant dining options.
Famous for its beaches, historic Hotel del Coronado, and charming community atmosphere.
A lively neighborhood with Italian restaurants, piazzas, and cultural events.
A San Diego classic, featuring fresh grilled or fried fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa.
A burrito stuffed with carne asada, French fries, cheese, and guacamole, unique to San Diego's culinary culture.
A popular local dish with seasoned fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream.
A trendy spot offering Italian dishes with a Californian twist in a vibrant atmosphere.
A fine dining restaurant offering stunning ocean views, known for seafood and innovative California cuisine.
Casual seafood dining with fresh catches and views of the bay, a staple for locals and tourists alike.
San Diego is generally expensive, especially for dining and accommodation in tourist areas.
15-20% in restaurants, round up fares for taxis, not expected in cafes.
The train connection between Fullerton, CA and San Diego, CA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Southern California. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey while enjoying a stress-free travel experience.
The train connection from Fullerton, CA to San Diego, CA takes approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes. There are 8 connections per day available for this route, all of which are direct services. Passengers will depart from Fullerton Station, CA and arrive at either Santa Fe Depot, CA or Old Town Station, CA.
The first daily train journey departs from Fullerton at 4:41 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the vibrant city of San Diego. The last departure is scheduled for 10:41 PM, allowing late-night arrivals in this coastal destination known for its beautiful beaches and lively culture.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Fullerton and San Diego is $29 (26.1€). The average ticket price tends to be around $31 (27.9€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Southern California's beautiful coastline.
Welcome to Balboa Park, a stunning urban oasis that dates back to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. This cultural gem is significant not only for its beautiful gardens and Spanish-Renaissance architecture but also as home to world-class museums like the San Diego Museum of Art and the renowned San Diego Zoo. One unique feature you won't want to miss is the park's vibrant array of performing arts venues, where live music and theater bring this historic site alive.
Next on our journey is the USS Midway Museum, housed in one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers which played a pivotal role during several key conflicts from World War II through Operation Desert Storm. The significance of this floating museum lies in its ability to offer visitors an immersive experience into naval aviation history while honoring those who served aboard her decks. Be sure to explore the flight deck with over 30 restored aircraft; it provides breathtaking views of San Diego Bay alongside fascinating stories from veterans.
Finally, we arrive at Cabrillo National Monument, commemorating Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's arrival on California’s shores in 1542—an event that marked Spain's first contact with what would become known as California. This landmark holds great significance as it symbolizes exploration and discovery while offering panoramic vistas that showcase both natural beauty and historical context. Don’t forget your camera when visiting Point Loma Lighthouse; it's not just picturesque but also steeped in maritime heritage!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Fullerton, 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.

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