- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
2 h 39 m
Average duration
2 h 41 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 28 trains that leave Los Angeles, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Jun 18, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 39 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
794 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
566 Pacific Surfliner
584 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
562 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
790 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
566 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $293.
Distance: 111 miles (180 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$39 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $461 Average price |
3h 16m Average total duration 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $3 (€3) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $39 (€32).
A bus is $425 (€344) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $461 (€373).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 46m.
Bus takes on average 3h 9m.
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
580 Pacific Surfliner | 3:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 3:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 5:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 5:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 7:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 5:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 9:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h41 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h54 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h40 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h54 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h39 | 8:49 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 10:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 9:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 10:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 11:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 14h59 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 15h13 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:10 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 1:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h57 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 23 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
There are 21 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 2h 39m.
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 23 |
Direct trains 21 |
Fastest train 2h 39m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 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.
Museum aboard the historic aircraft carrier USS Midway with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and audio tours on San Diego Bay.
Balboa Park art museum known for Spanish old masters, South Asian works, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark building.
Leading contemporary art museum with major postwar and current works, especially strong in Southern California and Pacific Rim artists.
Vast cultural park with gardens, museums, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, walking paths, and some of San Diego's best photo spots.
Scenic cove known for sea lions, clear water, coastal cliffs, and highly shareable sunset and ocean-view walks.
Wide sandy beach beside the Hotel del Coronado, popular for walking, photography, and classic Southern California scenery.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A signature coastal San Diego staple with strong Baja influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night and casual foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shop culture.
Popular waterfront seafood restaurant serving fresh local catch, fish tacos, and sandwiches in a relaxed harbor setting near the fishing fleet.
Historic, no-frills Mexican restaurant famous for house-made tortillas, rolled tacos, and comforting traditional plates. A beloved local institution with a classic atmosphere.
Iconic casual spot in Ocean Beach known for oversized burgers, fries, and a lively beach-town vibe. A long-standing San Diego favorite.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels, dining, and parking near the coast and downtown.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
The train connection between Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA is a convenient and scenic option for travelers looking to explore Southern California. Operated by Amtrak, the Pacific Surfliner service offers comfortable seating and stunning views of the coastline along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey to enjoy all that both cities have to offer.
The train connection between Los Angeles and San Diego offers a direct service with a duration of 2 hours and 38 minutes. There are up to 8 connections available per day. Passengers can board from stations including Northridge Station, Van Nuys Metrolink Station, Chatsworth Station, and Union Station in Los Angeles. The journey concludes at either Old Town Station or Santa Fe Depot in San Diego.
The first daily train journey departs from Los Angeles at 5:10 AM, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful coastal city of San Diego. The last departure is scheduled for 10:10 PM, allowing late-night arrivals for those wishing to maximize their time in this vibrant destination.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Los Angeles and San Diego is $34 (30.6€). The average ticket price tends to be around $37 (33.3€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant Californian cities.
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 Colonial Revival architecture but also as home to world-class museums, theaters, and the renowned San Diego Zoo. One of its unique features is the vibrant diversity of attractions within walking distance—whether you're exploring art galleries or enjoying live performances in lush surroundings.
Next on our journey is the USS Midway Museum, which offers an extraordinary glimpse into naval history aboard one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. The significance of this landmark lies in its role during pivotal moments such as World War II and beyond; it symbolizes courage and innovation at sea. What sets it apart are the interactive exhibits where you can experience life on board through flight simulators and guided tours led by veterans who served here.
Finally, we arrive at Cabrillo National Monument, commemorating Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's historic landing in California in 1542—the first European explorer to set foot on West Coast soil. Its significance extends beyond exploration; it's a testament to maritime heritage while offering breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean vistas from atop Point Loma cliffs. Unique features include tidal pools teeming with marine life along with well-preserved trails that invite visitors to connect deeply with nature's beauty while reflecting on early encounters between cultures.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, 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.

Most Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Union Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Los Angeles, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need