- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$120
Average price
$143
Fastest journey
11 h 58 m
Average duration
12 h 21 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
761 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $143 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $120.
It's difficult to get from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3814 AMTRAK · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3814 AMTRAK · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $52.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$126 Average price | $106 Average price Cheapest | $264 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 12m Average total duration 12h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 55m Average total duration 12h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA:
A bus is $20 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $126 (€104).
A bus is $158 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $264 (€217).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 25m.
Train takes on average 12h 42m.
Tickets start at around $126 (€104) compared to roughly $101 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.80 (€-20.44). The journey takes 12h 42m versus 7h 32m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 5:23 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 17h44 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 18h16 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 18h16 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 22h47 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 7:09 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 11h58 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
529 Capitol Corridor · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 7:41 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 15h26 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
529 Capitol Corridor · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:41 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 17h23 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:00 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 13h07 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 8:00 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 13h07 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:30 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 12h37 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:45 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 12h22 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 10:45 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 12h22 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3814 AMTRAK · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:40 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 12h24 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 12h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $98 (€81) but you can travel from only $52 (€43) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 472 miles (761 km) distance in 11h 58m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average train duration 12h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $98 (€81) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 11h 58m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sacramento, 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.

Most Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Sacramento Valley Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Sacramento Valley Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Firehouse Restaurant, Ten22
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Sacramento Valley Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Sacramento Valley Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento Valley Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need