- 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
$33
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
1 h 48 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
33
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Orange, 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 Orange, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 33 trains that leave Orange, CA for San Diego, CA on Sat, Aug 01, 33 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 136 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 48 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 1 h 51 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.
588 Pacific Surfliner
562 Pacific Surfliner
584 Pacific Surfliner
572 Pacific Surfliner
564 Pacific Surfliner
562 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
790 Pacific Surfliner
588 Pacific Surfliner
584 Pacific SurflinerTrains from Orange, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 32 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 but you can travel from only $11 by bus.
There are 31 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 2h 6m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average train duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 |
Trains per day 32 |
Direct trains 31 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Orange, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
562 Pacific Surfliner | 6:49 AM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h15 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h48 | 8:49 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 7:49 AM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 10:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 9:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 10:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 8:49 AM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 11:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 10:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 11:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 10:49 AM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 11:49 AM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 1:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 12:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 3:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 5:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 5:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 7:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 6:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 7:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 9:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h18 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h50 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:49 PM Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA | 2h15 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h49 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA 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.
Traveling between Orange, CA and San Diego, CA is a delightful experience thanks to the convenient train connection provided by Amtrak. The journey offers scenic views of Southern California's landscapes as you traverse approximately 90 miles along the coast. With comfortable seating and onboard amenities, passengers can relax while enjoying the ride. Whether you're heading for a day trip or an extended stay in vibrant San Diego, this rail service makes it easy to explore both cities without the hassle of driving.
Traveling from Orange to San Diego takes approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes. There are 8 direct connections available each day between these two cities.
The first daily train journey departs from Orange at 5:01 AM, allowing early risers to start their day with a scenic trip. The last departure is scheduled for 11:01 PM, providing late-night travelers the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of San Diego before heading back.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Orange and San Diego is $26 (23.4€). The average ticket price tends to be around $29 (26.1€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore Southern California's beautiful coastline.
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 and theaters that celebrate art, science, and history. One of its unique features is the iconic Botanical Building with over 2,100 plants on display; it’s a perfect spot for photos or simply soaking in nature's beauty.
Next up is the USS Midway Museum, housed within one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers which played a pivotal role during key conflicts from World War II through Operation Desert Storm. The significance of this floating museum lies in its ability to bring naval aviation history alive through interactive exhibits and restored aircraft that tell stories of bravery at sea. What sets it apart are the self-guided audio tours narrated by former Midway sailors themselves—offering an authentic glimpse into life aboard this legendary ship.
Finally, we arrive at Cabrillo National Monument where you can stand atop Point Loma and gaze out over San Diego Bay while learning about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's historic landing here in 1542—the first European contact with California's coast. This site holds great significance as it commemorates both exploration and natural preservation amidst breathtaking coastal views teeming with diverse wildlife like tide pools filled with vibrant marine life. A truly unique feature here is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse; climbing up offers panoramic vistas unlike any other place in San Diego!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Orange, 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 Orange, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Santa Ana Station to Old Town Station station pair, with some services arriving at Santa Fe Depot. Use this guide to compare Orange, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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