The cheapest and fastest trains from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
4 h 7 m
Average duration
4 h 7 m
Trains per day
2
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 $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 2 trains that leave Riverside, CA for San Diego, CA on Tue, May 26, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 139 km distance in an average of 4 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 7 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 4 h 7 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.
5:00 PM4h07Riverside, CA9:07 PMSan Diego, CA$391One-way0 transfers
4:00 PM4h07Riverside, CA8:07 PMSan Diego, CA$391One-way0 transfers
5:00 PM4h07Riverside, CA9:07 PMSan Diego, CA$391One-way0 transfers
4:00 PM4h07Riverside, CA8:07 PMSan Diego, CA$391One-way0 transfers
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 $18. 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 $18, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 86 miles (139 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$38 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $38 (€31).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 59m.
Tickets start at around $38 (€31) compared to roughly $20 (€16) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.24 (€-14.71). The journey takes 3h 17m versus 1h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4985 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 3:35 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 3h32 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4985 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 3:35 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 3h17 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
![]() | 4:00 PM Riverside, CA | 4h07 | 8:07 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Riverside, CA | 4h07 | 9:07 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 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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Journey information
Overview: Train from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:51, the last at 15:35. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (139 km) distance in 3h 32m.
Distance 86 miles (139 km) |
Average train duration 3h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 32m |
First train 5:51 AM |
Last train 3:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 $18 (€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
- 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
- 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
Most popular train connections from Riverside, CA
More options for your journey from Riverside, CA to San Diego, CA
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