- Must visit
Denver Art Museum
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
Cheapest price
$331
Average price
$331
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 17 m
Average duration
2 d 1 h 22 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1340 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO will cost around $331 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $331.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO without transferring at least 2 times.
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California ZephyrTrains from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 46h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $198 (€161) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:46, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 832 miles (1340 km) distance in 49h 26m.
Distance 832 miles (1340 km) |
Average train duration 46h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $198 (€161) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 49h 26m |
First train 8:46 AM |
Last train 4:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 days |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Denver, CO trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 49h26 | 6:27 PM Union Station, Denver, CO | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr | 4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 49h17 | 6:27 PM Union Station, Denver, CO | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Denver, CO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Denver, CO trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
A major natural history museum with dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, wildlife dioramas, and rooftop city views.
This museum explores Colorado and Western heritage through Native history, artifacts, and regional storytelling.
Denver's landmark downtown park and civic heart, framed by museums, government buildings, festivals, and open lawns.
A scenic urban lake and park with skyline and mountain views, trails, boating, and one of Denver's best sunsets.
A lively pedestrian mall lined with shops, public art, and free shuttle service through the center of downtown Denver.
Denver omelet with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It is strongly associated with the city and remains a classic local breakfast order.
Green chile is a beloved Front Range staple, served as a pork-rich stew or smothered over burritos, fries, and breakfast plates across Denver.
A juicy burger topped with roasted green chiles and cheese. It reflects Colorado's chile-loving comfort food culture and is common in Denver pubs.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant focused on wood-fired New American cuisine, seasonal Colorado ingredients, and polished service in an elegant room.
Popular modern Mexican spot celebrated for green chile, tacos, and strong margaritas. Casual atmosphere with a long local following.
Beloved neighborhood eatery serving creative breakfasts and brunch. A reliable place to try a Denver omelet in a relaxed, local setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels and dining are mid-to-high, while transit is reasonable. Costs are usually lower than New York or San Francisco.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; rounding up or $1 is common.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Denver, CO trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Denver, CO 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.
Union Station is 2 km from Denver city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Snooze an A.M. Eatery, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Ultreia
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Crawford Hotel, The Oxford Hotel, Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown.
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