- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A historic aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history displays. One of San Diego’s signature attractions.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
44 m
Average duration
44 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
57 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 26 trains that leave Oceanside, CA for San Diego, CA on Sun, Jun 07, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct trains cover the 57 km distance in an average of 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 44 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest trains will take 44 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.
790 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
580 Pacific Surfliner
584 Pacific Surfliner
566 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
580 Pacific Surfliner
584 Pacific Surfliner
566 Pacific Surfliner
588 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oceanside, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 50m. 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 $8, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 35 miles (57 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 20m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg 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 Oceanside, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oceanside, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $19 (€16).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 56m.
Tickets start at around $19 (€16) compared to roughly $8 (€6) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-11.25 (€-9.17). The journey takes 50m versus 42m 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 Oceanside, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:05 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:05 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h45 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 8:05 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 8:05 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 8:49 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 9:08 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 9:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 9:08 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 10:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 10:08 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 10:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 10:08 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 11:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 12:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 12:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 1:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 1:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 1:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 2:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 2:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 5:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 5:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 5:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 6:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 6:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 7:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 7:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 7:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Oceanside, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 21 times per day, taking around 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
There are 21 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 22:28. The fastest train covers the 35 miles (57 km) distance in 44m.
Distance 35 miles (57 km) |
Average train duration 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 21 |
Direct trains 21 |
Fastest train 44m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 10:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 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 aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history displays. One of San Diego’s signature attractions.
Balboa Park’s major fine arts museum, known for Spanish old masters, European paintings, and rotating international exhibitions.
A leading contemporary art museum with major installations, ocean views at La Jolla, and a strong program of modern and experimental art.
San Diego’s flagship cultural park, home to major museums, gardens, historic architecture, and wide promenades. Essential for first-time visitors.
A picturesque coastal area known for sea lions, cliffs, turquoise water, and some of the city’s most photographed ocean views.
A walkable historic district celebrating early California history, with preserved buildings, museums, and lively public spaces.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in corn tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A defining San Diego staple shaped by Baja California influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most famous late-night and taqueria foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent border-style dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shops.
Well-known waterfront seafood restaurant in Point Loma serving fresh local catch, fish sandwiches, and harbor views.
Historic Barrio Logan favorite known for handmade tortillas, tacos, rice, beans, and a classic old-school atmosphere.
Popular casual spot celebrated for Baja-style fish tacos, ceviche, and fresh seafood in a relaxed beach-city setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the coast. Budget options exist inland and via casual eateries.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Little or no tip for counter service.
The train connection between Oceanside, CA and San Diego, CA is a convenient and scenic option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful Southern California coastline. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean along the way. With frequent departures throughout the day, it's easy to plan your trip whether you're heading for a beach day or exploring downtown San Diego's vibrant culture.
The train connection between Oceanside, CA and San Diego, CA takes approximately 44 minutes with a travel time of around 30 minutes. There are 7 direct connections available each day from the Oceanside Transportation Center, CA to Santa Fe Depot, CA; Old Town Station, CA.
The first daily train journey from Oceanside to San Diego departs at 5:02 AM, allowing early risers to start their day with a scenic ride along the coast. The last departure is scheduled for 9:05 PM, providing travelers with ample time to explore and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of San Diego before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Oceanside and San Diego is $17 (15.3€). This route offers a convenient way to travel along California's beautiful coastline while enjoying scenic views.
Welcome to Balboa Park, a stunning 1,200-acre 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 like the San Diego Museum of Art and the renowned San Diego Zoo. Unique features include over 16 distinct gardens, each showcasing different plant species from around the globe, making it a paradise for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
Next on our journey is the USS Midway Museum, which offers an immersive experience aboard one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. The significance of this landmark lies in its rich naval history; commissioned just after World War II and serving through Operation Desert Storm before being decommissioned in 1992, it played a vital role in shaping modern naval aviation. What sets this museum apart are its interactive exhibits where you can explore flight simulators or even sit inside actual fighter jets used by Navy pilots.
Finally, we arrive at Cabrillo National Monument—an iconic tribute to Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's historic landing here in 1542 as he became the first European explorer to set foot on California soil. This site holds great significance as it commemorates both exploration and maritime heritage while offering breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and beyond. One unique feature you'll love is visiting Old Point Loma Lighthouse; standing tall since 1855 with panoramic vistas that make for unforgettable photographs!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oceanside, 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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