The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$126
Fastest journey
4 h 49 m
Average duration
6 h 45 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA will cost around $126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 4 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Palm Springs, CA on Fri, May 29, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 136 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 49 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 8 h 35 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.
9:01 PM4h59San Diego, CA2:00 AMPalm Springs, CA$381One-way0 transfers
3:01 PM4h49San Diego, CA7:50 PMPalm Springs, CA$401One-way0 transfers
12:01 AM8h35San Diego, CA8:36 AMPalm Springs, CA$771One-way0 transfers
11:01 PM8h35San Diego, CA7:36 AMPalm Springs, CA$3501One-way0 transfers
3:01 PM4h49San Diego, CA7:50 PMPalm Springs, CA$401One-way0 transfers
9:01 PM4h59San Diego, CA2:00 AMPalm Springs, CA$381One-way0 transfers
12:01 AM8h35San Diego, CA8:36 AMPalm Springs, CA$771One-way0 transfers
11:01 PM8h35San Diego, CA7:36 AMPalm Springs, CA$3501One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $38, and a bus costs an average of $43.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$56 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration 4h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA:
A train is $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA costing on average $77 (€62).
Other travel options to Palm Springs, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 47m.
Tickets start at around $56 (€45) compared to roughly $26 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-30.50 (€-24.66). The journey takes 4h 20m versus 2h 10m 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.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4h59 | 1:00 PM Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4h49 | 12:50 PM Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4h59 | 7:00 PM Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h09 | 7:10 PM Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, May 29 | |||||
![]() | 12:01 AM San Diego, CA | 8h35 | 8:36 AM Palm Springs, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 02:02, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 4h 49m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average train duration 4h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 49m |
First train 2:02 AM |
Last train 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Palm Springs, CA from $38 (€31). 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 Palm Springs, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, 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
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA
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