- 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 on Oct 29
$123
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$129
Fastest journey on Oct 29
11 h 58 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
12 h 21 m
Trains on Oct 29
11
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 $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $123.
It's difficult to get from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
3710 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner
3814 Connecting Bus · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3810 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner
702 Gold Runner · 5802 Connecting Bus · 782 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5712 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3712 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific Surfliner
3814 Connecting Bus · 714 Gold Runner · 5714 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner
3812 Connecting Bus · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 Connecting Bus · 790 Pacific SurflinerTrains from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 17h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $117 (€99) but you can travel from only $61 (€51) 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 17h 17m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average train duration 17h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $117 (€99) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 17h 17m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA.
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:48 PM Sacramento, CA | 18h16 | 8:04 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:09 PM Sacramento, CA | 11h58 | 2:07 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:09 PM Sacramento, CA | 11h58 | 3:07 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Sacramento, CA | 13h07 | 5:07 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

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.
Check train stations information for Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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