- Must visit
Fresno Art Museum
Leading art museum featuring modern and contemporary works, strong regional connections, and a peaceful sculpture garden.
Cheapest price
$90
Average price
$93
Fastest journey
8 h 44 m
Average duration
9 h
Trains per day
10
Distance
508 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5817 AMTRAK · 717 Gold RunnerOmio 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 $41. 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 $41, and a flight costs an average of $141.
Distance: 315 miles (508 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $214 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 13m Average total duration 7h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 8h 7m 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 $34 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA costing on average $90.
A bus is $197 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Fresno, CA costing on average $254.
Other travel options to Fresno, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 42m.
Bus takes on average 8h 6m.
Tickets start at around $90 compared to roughly $78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.24. 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, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 6:01 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 · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 11h46 | 5:56 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 · 5717 AMTRAK · 717 Gold Runner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 9h46 | 3:56 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 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 | 4:01 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 | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 8h44 | 12:54 PM Fresno station, Fresno, CA | 2 transfers | |
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 12 times per day, taking around 7h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 but you can travel from only $47 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 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 8h 44m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Fresno, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fresno, CA trip today.
Leading art museum featuring modern and contemporary works, strong regional connections, and a peaceful sculpture garden.
Major local history museum in Roeding Park with exhibits on Central Valley culture, farming, and community stories.
University museum focused on anthropology, archaeology, and world cultures, with teaching collections and rotating displays.
Lively cultural district with murals, galleries, theaters, and events that showcase Fresno's independent creative energy.
Extensive parkland around a reservoir with trails, birdlife, and scenic water views popular for walking and sunsets.
Large urban park with historic landscapes, zoo access, museums, and broad lawns for relaxed walking and family visits.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef sirloin tip seasoned and grilled over red oak, tied to the region’s ranching and backyard barbecue culture.
Armenian lahmajoun is a thin flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, reflecting Fresno’s long Armenian heritage and common at local bakeries and family tables.
Basturma is air-dried, spice-coated cured beef popular in Fresno’s Armenian community, prized for its bold flavor and importance in local delis and celebrations.
Long-running Armenian bakery and lunch spot celebrated for lahmajoun, boreg, and other classics in a casual, local atmosphere.
Historic Basque restaurant known for family-style dinners, hearty meats, and old-school Fresno character in a lively, traditional setting.
Upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant with polished service, known for special-occasion dining and a refined, contemporary atmosphere.
Moderate for California. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major coastal cities, while car travel is common and public transit options are limited.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is good.
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