The cheapest and fastest trains from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$242
Average price
$250
Fastest journey
1 d 10 h 28 m
Average duration
1 d 11 h 31 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
1501 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR to San Diego, CA will cost around $250 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $242.
It's difficult to get from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK2:22 PM39h13Portland Union Station, Portland, OR5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$2421One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h28Portland Union Station, Portland, OR12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$2441One-way2 transfers
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h42Portland Union Station, Portland, OR1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$2441One-way2 transfers
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h28Portland Union Station, Portland, OR12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$2611One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h42Portland Union Station, Portland, OR1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$2621One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h28Portland Union Station, Portland, OR12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$2441One-way2 transfers
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h28Portland Union Station, Portland, OR12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$2611One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h42Portland Union Station, Portland, OR1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$2441One-way2 transfers
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner2:22 PM34h42Portland Union Station, Portland, OR1:04 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$2621One-way1 transfer
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK2:22 PM39h13Portland Union Station, Portland, OR5:35 AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$2421One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Portland, OR to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $108. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $108, and a flight costs an average of $96.
Distance: 932 miles (1501 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$251 Average price | $283 Average price | $246 Average price Cheapest |
31h 51m Average total duration 31h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration Fastest 2h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 2m Average total duration 28h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Portland, OR to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Portland, OR to San Diego, CA trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 9:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 39h13 | 12:35 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 34h28 | 7:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 34h42 | 8:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 34h42 | 8:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:22 PM Portland Union Station, Portland, OR | 34h28 | 7:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portland, OR to San Diego, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Portland, OR to San Diego, CA
Trains from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 31h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $155 (€123) but you can travel from only $96 (€76) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 14:22. The fastest train covers the 932 miles (1501 km) distance in 34h 28m.
Distance 932 miles (1501 km) |
Average train duration 31h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $155 (€123) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 34h 28m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 2:22 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Portland, OR and San Diego, CA from $96 (€76). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, OR 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 Portland, OR to San Diego, CA
- 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access is available via NW 6th Avenue.
- Wilf's Restaurant & Bar
- Al-Amir Lebanese Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1.50
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
- The Benson, a Coast Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main entrance leading to platforms 1-3 for Amtrak services
- waiting areas and ticket counters are located in the main hall.
- MAX Light Rail: Green Line, Yellow Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Streetcar: NS Line
- 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 Portland, OR
More options for your journey from Portland, OR to San Diego, CA
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