- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
One of the largest art museums in the US, with major collections spanning antiquities to contemporary works across multiple buildings in the Museum District.
Cheapest price
$425
Average price
$425
Fastest journey
1 d 17 h
Average duration
1 d 17 h 5 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
2094 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX will cost around $425 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $425.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX without transferring at least once.
785 Pacific Surfliner · 2 Sunset Limited
785 Pacific Surfliner · 2 Sunset Limited
785 Pacific Surfliner · 2 Sunset Limited
785 Pacific Surfliner · 2 Sunset LimitedOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $112. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $112, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 1301 miles (2094 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$337 Average price | $433 Average price | $253 Average price Cheapest |
38h 29m Average total duration 37h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 35h 23m Average total duration 34h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX:
A bus is $85 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX costing on average $337 (€276).
A bus is $180 (€147) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX costing on average $433 (€353).
Other travel options to Houston, TX take longer:
Bus takes on average 34h 53m.
Train takes on average 37h 59m.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Houston, TX trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:01 PM San Diego, CA | 42h09 | 11:10 AM Houston, TX | 1 transfer | |
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 Houston, TX run on average 2 times per day, taking around 37h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $216 (€177) but you can travel from only $106 (€87) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 16:01, the last at 18:55. The fastest train covers the 1301 miles (2094 km) distance in 40h 0m.
Distance 1301 miles (2094 km) |
Average train duration 37h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $216 (€177) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 40h 0m |
First train 4:01 PM |
Last train 6:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Houston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Houston trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the US, with major collections spanning antiquities to contemporary works across multiple buildings in the Museum District.
The official visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center, known for spacecraft displays, astronaut history, and tram tours to working NASA facilities.
A renowned free art museum with strong surrealist, Byzantine, and modern collections, set in a quiet campus popular with locals.
A major urban park with skyline views, trails, public art, and bayou scenery, widely considered one of Houston's best outdoor spaces.
A lively downtown park hosting art, events, gardens, and seasonal activities, making it one of the city's most visited public gathering spaces.
Houston's leading cultural area, packed with major museums, walkable streets, and one of the best concentrations of attractions in the city.
Slow-smoked beef brisket with a peppery bark, a cornerstone of Houston barbecue culture shaped by Texas smoking traditions.
Grilled skirt steak served sizzling with tortillas and fixings; Houston helped popularize Tex-Mex fajitas nationwide.
Soft tortillas filled with eggs, potatoes, cheese, or meats, reflecting Houston’s everyday Tex-Mex breakfast culture.
Established upscale steakhouse known for prime beef, polished service, and an extensive wine program.
Widely praised Houston barbecue spot known for brisket, ribs, and classic Texas sides in a lively, casual setting.
Well-known restaurant serving refined regional Mexican cuisine in an elegant but welcoming setting.
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Dining and transport are manageable, but hotels and car-related costs can add up.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis/rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for coffee only if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Houston, TX 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 Houston, TX, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Houston, TX trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Houston Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Houston, TX 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.
Houston Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Irma's Southwest Grill, The Moonshiners Southern Table + Bar
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Houston Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Houston Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Houston Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Houston Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Houston Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Lancaster Hotel, Hotel ICON, Magnolia Hotel Houston.
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