Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Mar 19
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 20

Cheapest price

$1955

Average price

$2230

Fastest journey

3 d 1 h 20 m

Average duration

3 d 1 h 43 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

3810 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA will cost around $2230 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $1955.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 times.

Amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
12:01PM73h51
30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
10:52AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA
$19551One-way
3 transfers
Amtrak95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
12:01PM74h06
30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
11:07AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$19551One-way
3 transfers
Amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
12:32PM73h35
30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
11:07AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$25041One-way
3 transfers
Amtrak174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
12:32PM73h20
30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
10:52AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA
$25041One-way
3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, flight, and train for Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $164. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $164, and a train costs an average of $359.

Distance: 2367 miles (3810 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

$807

Average price

$277

Average price

Cheapest

$287

Average price

66h 36m

Average total duration

66h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

62h 33m

Average total duration

62h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 53m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Spirit Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday, March 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:34 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak5:01 PM Philadelphia, PA
74h06
7:07 PM San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA by bus, flight, or train

Compare bus, flight, 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.

Fri
Mar 20
Sat
Mar 21
Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26

Journey information

Overview: Train from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 66h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $359 (€292) but you can travel from only $71 (€57) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 08:15, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 2367 miles (3810 km) distance in 74h 6m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $71 (€57)
Distance
2367 miles (3810 km)
Average train duration
66h 6m
Cheapest ticket price
$359 (€292)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
74h 6m
First train
08:15
Last train
16:10
Cheapest month
Jan
Cheapest day
Mon
High season
Jan - Mar
Low season
Apr - Jun
Busiest day
Fri
Least busy day
Fri
Best day to book ahead
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $71 (€57)

Train companies: Amtrak from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Philadelphia, PA and San Diego, CA from $71 (€57). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
74h 6m
Cheapest Price
$359 (€292)
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $359 (€292), while the average price is around $807 (€656).
The train from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA takes 74h 6m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA leaves at 8:15 AM.
The distance by train from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA is 2367 miles (3810 km).
The last train from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:10 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA.
The train station in Philadelphia, PA that goes to San Diego, CA is 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA is by flight, with a cost of around $71 (€57).
The train journey from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA offers varied scenery, including the urban landscapes of the East Coast, the rolling hills and farmland of the Midwest, and the dramatic desert and mountain views of the Southwest, providing a diverse and picturesque experience.
A day trip from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 74h 6m and the distance is 2367 miles (3810 km). The frequency of trips is 2 per day for trains.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA

Philadelphia
San Diego
The major train station for departures in Philadelphia is 30th Street Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at 30th Street Station for your trip from Philadelphia to San Diego.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
16
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
Dining
Dining
  • Bridgewater's Pub
  • The Porch at 30th Street Station
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
  • Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
  • The Study at University City
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
  • Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
  • Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
Public transit options for 30th Street Station
  • SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
  • Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
  • Bus: Several lines available

Most popular trains to and from San Diego, CA and Philadelphia, PA

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