- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
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 Wed, Jul 22, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 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 Wed, Jul 22 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.
580 Pacific Surfliner
584 Pacific Surfliner
572 Pacific Surfliner
786 Pacific Surfliner
564 Pacific Surfliner
580 Pacific Surfliner
584 Pacific Surfliner
572 Pacific Surfliner
786 Pacific Surfliner
564 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 $-11.15 (€-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, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 0h59 | 3:07 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 | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 5:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 6:07 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 | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 6:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 7:07 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 | |
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 | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 9:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h59 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 9:08 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h44 | 9:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:05 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1h02 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:05 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0h46 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
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.

Most Oceanside, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Oceanside Transportation Center to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Oceanside, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Oceanside Transportation Center 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: Harbor Fish & Chips, 333 Pacific
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Oceanside Transportation Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Oceanside Transportation Center. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside/Downtown, Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort, Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms.
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