The cheapest and fastest trains from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$117
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
11 h 38 m
Average duration
14 h 23 m
Trains per day
5
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 $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $117.
Of the 5 trains that leave Sacramento, CA for San Diego, CA on Fri, May 01, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 01 the direct trains cover the 761 km distance in an average of 14 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 38 m .
On Fri, May 01 the slowest trains will take 18 h 16 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.
2:48 PM18h16Sacramento, CA9:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1171One-way0 transfers
3:09 PM11h55Sacramento, CA3:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1211One-way0 transfers
6:30 PM12h34Sacramento, CA7:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1211One-way0 transfers
2:26 PM11h38Sacramento, CA2:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1211One-way0 transfers
3:33 PM17h31Sacramento, CA9:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1271One-way0 transfers
2:26 PM11h38Sacramento, CA2:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1211One-way0 transfers
3:09 PM11h55Sacramento, CA3:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1211One-way0 transfers
6:30 PM12h34Sacramento, CA7:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1211One-way0 transfers
3:33 PM17h31Sacramento, CA9:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1271One-way0 transfers
2:48 PM18h16Sacramento, CA9:04 AMSan Diego, CA$1171One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio 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 $73. 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 $73, and a flight costs an average of $118.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$123 Average price | $285 Average price | $109 Average price Cheapest |
12h 28m Average total duration 11h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 49m Average total duration 12h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday, April 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3710 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 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 · 586 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 · 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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
| Friday, May 1 | |||||
![]() | 2:26 PM Sacramento, CA | 11h38 | 2:04 AM 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 Sacramento, CA 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.
May 01
May 02
May 03
May 04
May 05
May 06
May 07
Journey information
Overview: Train from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 11h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $102 (€82) but you can travel from only $73 (€58) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 472 miles (761 km) distance in 11h 38m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average train duration 11h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $102 (€82) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 11h 38m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA from $73 (€58). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with both short-term and long-term options.
- The Firehouse Restaurant
- Ten22
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
- Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- 60 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas, platforms are accessible via a concourse.
- Light Rail: Blue Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including local and regional buses
- 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 Sacramento, CA
More options for your journey from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA
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