- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A historic aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history displays. One of San Diego’s signature attractions.
Cheapest price
$120
Average price
$150
Fastest journey
11 h 58 m
Average duration
12 h 27 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 $150 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
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3810 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 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
3812 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3814 AMTRAK · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 AMTRAK · 794 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 $70. 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 $70, and a flight costs an average of $53.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$128 Average price | $108 Average price Cheapest | $268 Average price | $103 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 $128 (€104).
A bus is $160 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $268 (€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 $128 (€104) compared to roughly $103 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.18 (€-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 today, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
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 · 5818 AMTRAK | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 22h47 | 5:35 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 | 18h46 | 1:34 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:48 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 18h46 | 1:34 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 · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:41 AM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 17h53 | 1:34 AM 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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 | |
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 $99 (€81) but you can travel from only $53 (€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 $99 (€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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
A historic aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history displays. One of San Diego’s signature attractions.
Balboa Park’s major fine arts museum, known for Spanish old masters, European paintings, and rotating international exhibitions.
A leading contemporary art museum with major installations, ocean views at La Jolla, and a strong program of modern and experimental art.
San Diego’s flagship cultural park, home to major museums, gardens, historic architecture, and wide promenades. Essential for first-time visitors.
A picturesque coastal area known for sea lions, cliffs, turquoise water, and some of the city’s most photographed ocean views.
A walkable historic district celebrating early California history, with preserved buildings, museums, and lively public spaces.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in corn tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A defining San Diego staple shaped by Baja California influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most famous late-night and taqueria foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent border-style dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shops.
Well-known waterfront seafood restaurant in Point Loma serving fresh local catch, fish sandwiches, and harbor views.
Historic Barrio Logan favorite known for handmade tortillas, tacos, rice, beans, and a classic old-school atmosphere.
Popular casual spot celebrated for Baja-style fish tacos, ceviche, and fresh seafood in a relaxed beach-city setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the coast. Budget options exist inland and via casual eateries.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Little or no tip for counter service.
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.

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