The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
2 h 47 m
Average duration
2 h 47 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
173 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to East 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 East Los Angeles, CA will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for East Los Angeles, CA on Thu, Aug 13, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 13 the direct trains cover the 173 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 Thu, Aug 13 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.
9:10 PM2h47San Diego, CA11:57 PMEast Los Angeles, CA$391One-way0 transfers
9:10 PM2h47San Diego, CA11:57 PMEast Los Angeles, CA$391One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $484.
Distance: 107 miles (173 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $498 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 39m Average total duration 8h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $12 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA costing on average $40 (€32).
A bus is $470 (€382) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA costing on average $498 (€405).
Other travel options to East Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 25m.
Flight takes on average 8h 39m.
Tickets start at around $40 (€32) compared to roughly $25 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.37 (€-12.50). The journey takes 2h 56m versus 2h 1m 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.
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, 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.
Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA run on average 22 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.
There are 21 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 107 miles (173 km) distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 107 miles (173 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Trains per day 22 |
Direct trains 21 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and East Los Angeles, CA from $27 (€22). 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 East Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to East 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 East Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA
Most San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and East Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which San Diego, CA station do trains to East Los Angeles, CA leave from?
Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Getting to Old Town Station from San Diego city centre
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to East Los Angeles, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
