Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 07
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €22.

Distance: 68 miles (111 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€23

Average price

€17

Average price

Cheapest

2h 12m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 50m

Average total duration

2h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA

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Trains from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 30 times per day, taking around 1h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.

There are 29 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 68 miles (111 km) distance in 1h 42m.

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
Bus from $18 (€14)
Distance
68 miles (111 km)
Average train duration
1h 42m
Cheapest ticket price
$27 (€22)
Trains per day
30
Direct trains
29
Fastest train
1h 42m
First train
04:01
Last train
21:10
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
Bus from $18 (€14)

Train companies: Amtrak from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Rancho Santa Margarita, CA and San Diego, CA from $18 (€14). 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
1h 42m
Cheapest Price
$28 (€22)
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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.

FAQs
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
There is no high speed train available from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA.
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.
Yes, a day trip from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA is feasible with a travel duration of 1h 42m and a distance of 68 miles (111 km). There are 30 train trips available per day.
The distance by train from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA is 68 miles (111 km).
The train journey from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA offers scenic views of Southern California's coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, making it a visually appealing experience for travelers.
The first train from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 4:01 AM.
Train ticket prices from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $27 (€22), while the average price is around $28 (€23).
Yes, you can take the train from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA.
The last train from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 9:10 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $18 (€14).
There is no direct train service currently available from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA takes 1h 42m and runs 30 per day.
The train station in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita
San Diego
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
Dining
Dining
  • The Fish Market
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Westin San Diego
  • The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
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
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Santa Fe Depot
  • San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
Dining
Dining
  • Casa Guadalajara
  • Old Town Mexican Cafe
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $0.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Town Inn
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
  • Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
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
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Old Town Station
  • Trolley: Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928

More options for your journey from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to San Diego, CA

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