The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Cheapest price
€32
Average price
€32
Fastest journey
4 h 49 m
Average duration
4 h 59 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 €32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €32.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA without transferring at least once.
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK2:01 PM4h59Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA7:00 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK2:01 PM5h09Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA7:10 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK8:01 AM4h49Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA12:50 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK8:01 AM4h59Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1:00 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK8:01 AM4h49Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA12:50 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK2:01 PM4h59Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA7:00 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK8:01 AM4h59Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1:00 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK2:01 PM5h09Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA7:10 PMPalm Springs, CA€321One-way1 transfer
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 €31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €31, and a bus costs an average of €28.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€32 Average price Cheapest | €43 Average price | €21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 51m Average total duration Fastest 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration 4h 34m 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 €11 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA costing on average €43.
Other travel options to Palm Springs, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 34m.
Tickets start at around €32 compared to roughly €21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-11.16. The journey takes 4h 21m 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, Wednesday, August 26. 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 | 4h49 | 12:50 PM Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4h59 | 1:00 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 | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 4h59 | 7:00 PM Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h35 | 12:36 AM Palm Springs Station, Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 2 Sunset Limited | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 8h35 | 12:36 AM Palm Springs Station, Palm Springs, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 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.
Aug 27
Aug 28
Aug 29
Aug 30
Aug 31
Sep 01
Sep 02
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 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 but you can travel from only €28 by bus.
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 21m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 49m |
First train 2:02 AM |
Last train 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 €28. 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
Most San Diego, CA to Palm Springs, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way) station pair, with some services arriving at Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, 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.
Which Palm Springs, CA station do trains from San Diego, CA arrive at?
Getting to Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way) from Palm Springs city centre
Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way) is 3 km from Palm Springs city centre. Public transport options include:
Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way) train station facilities and services
Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Several dining options available on-site.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the station. ATMs are aTMs located in the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way): Station is wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps.
Getting to Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop from Palm Springs city centre
Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop train station facilities and services
Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop. ATMs are available at Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop: Basic accessibility features are present for passengers.
Getting to Palm Springs Station from Palm Springs city centre
Palm Springs Station is 7 km from Palm Springs city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Palm Springs Station train station facilities and services
Palm Springs Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Palm Springs Station.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Palm Springs Station.
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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