The cheapest and fastest trains from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
11 h 47 m
Average duration
12 h 28 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
732 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
It's difficult to get from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner9:35 AM15h15Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$821One-way1 transfer
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner9:35 AM15h29Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$821One-way1 transfer
718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK5:48 PM11h47Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1051One-way1 transfer
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner10:18 AM12h33Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA10:51 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$1251One-way2 transfers
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner12:18 PM12h32Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$1251One-way2 transfers
718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK5:48 PM11h47Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1051One-way1 transfer
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner12:18 PM12h32Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$1251One-way2 transfers
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner10:18 AM12h33Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA10:51 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$1251One-way2 transfers
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner8:08 AM12h44Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA8:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$1251One-way2 transfers
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner12:18 PM12h46Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1261One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $138.
Distance: 454 miles (732 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $89 Average price Cheapest | $529 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 49m Average total duration 13h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 35m Average total duration 13h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 2.2 - 4.4kg 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 Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $102 (€83).
A bus is $440 (€356) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $529 (€427).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 5m.
Train takes on average 13h 19m.
Tickets start at around $102 (€83) compared to roughly $101 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-1.24 (€-1.00). The journey takes 13h 19m versus 7h 23m 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
Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:09 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h41 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:09 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h55 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 9:09 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 20h26 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:35 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h15 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:35 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h29 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:18 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 12h49 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:18 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 12h33 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:18 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 12h46 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:18 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 12h32 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK | 5:48 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 11h47 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:16 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h35 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:16 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 15h51 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:08 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 12h44 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:08 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 12h59 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, 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 Oakland, CA to San Diego, 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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Jun 01
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Jun 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 13h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€64) but you can travel from only $60 (€49) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 454 miles (732 km) distance in 11h 47m.
Distance 454 miles (732 km) |
Average train duration 13h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€64) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 11h 47m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Oakland, CA and San Diego, CA from $60 (€49). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking lots in the vicinity.
- Yoshi's Oakland
- Scott's Seafood Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Waterfront Hotel
- Z Hotel Jack London Square
- Executive Inn & Suites
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
- Bus: AC Transit lines 12, 72, 72M
- Ferry: San Francisco Bay Ferry
- 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 Oakland, CA
More options for your journey from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA
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