The cheapest and fastest trains from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
4 h 39 m
Average duration
4 h 39 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
139 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 1 trains that leave Riverside, CA for San Diego, CA on Wed, Nov 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 4 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 39 m .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest trains will take 4 h 39 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.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riverside, 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 3h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €31.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€31 Average price | €23 Average price Cheapest |
3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4967 AMTRAK · 572 Pacific Surfliner | 5:00 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 5h07 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4967 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 5:00 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 3h53 | 8:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4967 AMTRAK · 572 Pacific Surfliner | 5:00 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 4h53 | 9:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4967 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 5:00 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 4h07 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4985 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner | 11:25 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 4h39 | 4:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4985 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner | 11:25 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 4h25 | 3:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Riverside, 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.
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Journey information
Overview: Train from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:01, the last at 15:25. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 4h 39m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 39m |
First train 06:01 |
Last train 15:25 |
Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA from $17 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
FAQs: Trains from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riverside, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple entry and exit points.
- Mission Inn Restaurant
- The Salted Pig
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Platform 1: Metrolink services
- Platform 2: Amtrak services
- Bus: Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) routes available
- Metrolink: 91/Perris Valley Line, Inland Empire-Orange County Line, Riverside 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 Riverside, CA
More options for your journey from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
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