The cheapest and fastest trains from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific Surfliner
95 Northeast Regional · 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief · 566 Pacific SurflinerTravel 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* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:01 PM Philadelphia, PA | 74h06 | 7:07 PM San Diego, CA | 0 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA
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.
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 |
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
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA
- 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
- Bridgewater's Pub
- The Porch at 30th Street Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
- Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- The Study at University City
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
- Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
- SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
- Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
- Bus: Several lines available
- 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 Philadelphia, PA
More options for your journey from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA
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