The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
11 h 45 m
Average duration
11 h 45 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
649 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Modesto, CA on Wed, Nov 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 26 the direct trains cover the 649 km distance in an average of 11 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 45 m .
On Wed, Nov 26 the slowest trains will take 11 h 45 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €39, and a flight costs an average of €42.
Distance: 403 miles (649 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€81 Average price | €63 Average price Cheapest | €124 Average price |
10h 1m Average total duration 9h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 54m Average total duration 10h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 1.9 - 3.9kg 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.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA trains for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:10 PM San Diego, CA | 11h45 | 4:55 AM Modesto, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Why should you book San Diego to Modesto trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from San Diego to Modesto. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego to Modesto.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego to Modesto.
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 9h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $97 (€79) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 403 miles (649 km) distance in 11h 45m.
Distance 403 miles (649 km) |
Average train duration 9h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€79) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 11h 45m |
First train 03:50 |
Last train 21:25 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA start from as low as $97 (€79) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $100 (€81) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 11 daily trains from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 11h 45m but the average duration is 9h 31m
Train Operators
- Travel from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA with Amtrak
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Amtrak.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA and arrive in Modesto Station, Modesto, CA
- First train typically departs at 03:50 AM and the last at 09:25 PM
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Modesto, CA from $48 (€39). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- $1
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a single main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Modesto Area Express (MAX) routes available
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Modesto, CA
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