- Recommended
The Fresno Art Museum
Regional art museum with modern and contemporary exhibitions plus strong Mexican and Latin American collections. A solid cultural stop in the city center.








Cheapest price
$90
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
8h 44m
Average duration
10h 5m
Trains per day
8
Distance
162 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $107.
Distance: 315 miles (508 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$89 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $249 Average price | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 12m Average total duration 7h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 36m Average total duration 8h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg 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 San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA costing on average $89 (€73).
A bus is $194 (€159) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA costing on average $249 (€205).
Other travel options to Fresno, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 42m.
Bus takes on average 8h 6m.
Tickets start at around $89 (€73) compared to roughly $76 (€62) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.85 (€-10.55). The journey takes 7h 42m versus 5h 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 San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA trains for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h53 | 12:54 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 8h44 | 12:54 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 9h55 | 3:56 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 11h55 | 5:56 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 9h55 | 3:56 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 9h46 | 3:56 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 9h46 | 3:56 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 11h46 | 5:56 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 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 San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $77 (€63) but you can travel from only $46 (€38) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 315 miles (508 km) distance in 8h 44m.
Distance 315 miles (508 km) |
Average train duration 7h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€63) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 8h 44m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Fresno — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fresno trip today.
Regional art museum with modern and contemporary exhibitions plus strong Mexican and Latin American collections. A solid cultural stop in the city center.
Historic mansion museum tied to agricultural entrepreneur M. Theo Kearney. Offers insight into Fresno County history and late-19th-century estate life.
Restored 1889 Victorian house museum showcasing Fresno's early history, period furnishings, and architecture. Best for visitors interested in local heritage.
Fresno's most famous visitor attraction, an unusual network of hand-built subterranean passages, rooms, and garden courtyards. Distinctive and highly photogenic.
Large riverside park popular for walking, picnics, gardens, and scenic open space. A favorite with locals and one of Fresno's best outdoor areas.
Fresno's best-known character neighborhood, valued for historic buildings, nightlife, murals, independent venues, and a walkable local atmosphere.
Central California barbecue staple featuring beef tri-tip seasoned and grilled over red oak. It is especially popular in the San Joaquin Valley and widely associated with local cookouts and roadhouses
Fresno has a long Armenian heritage, and charcoal-grilled skewers of marinated meat are a classic local favorite often served with pilaf, lavash, and grilled vegetables
A thin flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat and spices, reflecting Fresno’s historic Armenian community. It is one of the city’s most distinctive traditional bites
Established fine-dining restaurant serving seasonal New American cuisine with polished service and an intimate setting
Popular upscale restaurant known for Italian-inspired California cooking, house-made pasta, and a lively modern atmosphere
Well-known casual Fresno spot famous for tri-tip sandwiches, barbecue plates, and a busy sports-bar feel
Costs are generally lower than in major California cities. Hotels and dining are moderate, while car-dependent travel can add to daily expenses.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants for table service, 15-20% for delivery, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10-15% for taxis. Small tips are common for hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Fresno Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Fresno, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Fresno Station is 1 km from Fresno city centre. Public transport options include:
Fresno Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Shepherd's Inn, Joe's Steakhouse
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Fresno Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Fresno Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fresno Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Fresno Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fresno Station.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center, Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fresno Yosemite.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need