- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 h 47 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 26 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Fri, Jul 10, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 180 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 2 h 47 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.
573 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
595 Pacific Surfliner
591 Pacific Surfliner
581 Pacific Surfliner
573 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
595 Pacific Surfliner
591 Pacific Surfliner
581 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $248.
Distance: 111 miles (180 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$39 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $450 Average price |
3h 21m Average total duration 2h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $39 (€32).
A bus is $413 (€339) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $450 (€369).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 51m.
Bus takes on average 3h 21m.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
785 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 6:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 6:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3h03 | 8:04 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 5:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h54 | 8:04 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
591 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 9:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
591 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 9:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
593 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 10:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
593 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 10:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
595 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 11:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
595 Pacific Surfliner | 9:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 11:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 3:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 1:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 3:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2h56 | 4:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2h47 | 4:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Los Angeles, CA run on average 21 times per day, taking around 2h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€31) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 20 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average train duration 2h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€31) |
Trains per day 21 |
Direct trains 20 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, gardens, and panoramic city views.
The largest art museum in the western United States, known for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum with a high-profile collection featuring works by Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Vast urban park with trails, scenic overlooks, and access to some of the city’s best outdoor viewpoints.
Classic Southern California waterfront area popular for ocean views, walks, and iconic beach atmosphere.
Famous beachfront promenade known for street culture, murals, skate energy, and people-watching.
A Los Angeles classic of thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, usually served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s most iconic old-school sandwiches.
Small corn-tortilla tacos filled with meats such as carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas, topped simply with onion, cilantro, and salsa. They reflect the city’s deep Mexican culinary influence.
Grilled marinated meats cooked at the table, commonly enjoyed with banchan in Koreatown. Los Angeles is especially famous for its vibrant Korean barbecue culture.
Popular upscale restaurant in the Arts District known for house-made charcuterie, pasta, and a stylish industrial setting.
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich, old-school counter service, and classic Los Angeles atmosphere.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and lively traditional flavors in a vibrant setting.
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially lodging, parking, and dining. Casual food is manageable, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20% is common for good service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff and valet.
The train connection between San Diego, CA and Los Angeles, CA is a convenient and scenic option for travelers looking to explore Southern California. Operated by Amtrak, the Pacific Surfliner service offers comfortable seating and stunning views of the coastline along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey while enjoying onboard amenities that make travel enjoyable. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this route provides an efficient means to connect these two cities.
The train connection between San Diego and Los Angeles offers a direct service with a duration of approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes. There are up to 10 connections available per day, providing flexibility for travelers. Passengers can board at Santa Fe Depot or Old Town Station in San Diego, arriving at various stations including Chatsworth Station, Northridge Station, Union Station, and Van Nuys Metrolink Station in Los Angeles.
The first daily train journey departs from San Diego at 11:10 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Los Angeles. The last departure is scheduled for 11:10 PM, allowing late-night arrivals into the bustling metropolis.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between San Diego and Los Angeles is $34 (30.6€). This fare provides an affordable option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant Californian cities while enjoying a comfortable journey.
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," has since become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and dreams of stardom. Its towering letters stand at 45 feet tall and span over 350 feet across the hillside, making it not just a landmark but also a testament to Los Angeles' rich cinematic history. As you gaze upon this famous sign from various vantage points around the city, you'll feel its magnetic pull that draws millions each year to explore their own aspirations.
Perched atop Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 and serves as both an astronomical observatory and a public space dedicated to science education. This architectural gem offers breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles while providing visitors with interactive exhibits about space exploration and celestial phenomena. Don't miss your chance to peer through one of its historic telescopes or catch a show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium—it's truly where science meets wonder!
The Getty Center is renowned not only for its impressive collection of European paintings but also for its stunning architecture designed by Richard Meier amidst beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Los Angeles. Opened in 1997, this cultural haven combines art appreciation with educational programs that engage visitors on multiple levels—from ancient artifacts to contemporary photography exhibitions. Be sure to take time exploring both indoor galleries and outdoor spaces; every corner reveals something unique that enriches your understanding of art's role throughout history!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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