The cheapest and fastest trains from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$227
Average price
$227
Fastest journey
2 d 3 h 53 m
Average duration
2 d 3 h 53 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
2794 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA will cost around $227 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $227.
Of the 1 trains that leave Milwaukee, WI for San Diego, CA on Thu, May 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 28 the direct trains cover the 2794 km distance in an average of 2 d 3 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 3 h 53 m .
On Thu, May 28 the slowest trains will take 2 d 3 h 53 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.
5:00 PM51h53Milwaukee, WI8:53 PMSan Diego, CA$2271One-way0 transfers
5:00 PM51h53Milwaukee, WI8:53 PMSan Diego, CA$2271One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $197. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $197, and a train costs an average of $227.
Distance: 1736 miles (2794 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$352 Average price | $266 Average price | $264 Average price Cheapest | $436 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
47h 52m Average total duration 47h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 22m Average total duration Fastest 5h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 48h 57m Average total duration 48h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA costing on average $266 (€215).
A bus is $88 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA costing on average $352 (€284).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 47h 22m.
Bus takes on average 48h 27m.
Tickets start at around $352 (€284) compared to roughly $436 (€352) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $84 (€68). The journey takes 47h 22m versus 30h 30m 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
Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:00 AM Milwaukee, WI | 47h04 | 10:04 AM San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Milwaukee, WI 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
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Journey information
Overview: Train from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA
Trains from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 47h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $227 (€183) but you can travel from only $167 (€134) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:50, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 1736 miles (2794 km) distance in 51h 53m.
Distance 1736 miles (2794 km) |
Average train duration 47h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $227 (€183) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 51h 53m |
First train 5:50 AM |
Last train 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Amtrak from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Milwaukee, WI and San Diego, CA from $167 (€134). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with access from St. Paul Avenue.
- Milwaukee ChopHouse
- The Capital Grille
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.50
- Hilton Milwaukee City Center
- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- The Pfister Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, Amtrak ticketing and waiting area
- Hall 2: intercity bus services
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Hiawatha Service to Chicago
- 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
Most popular train connections from Milwaukee, WI
More options for your journey from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA
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