- Must visit
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Major collections span European art, manuscripts, and decorative arts in a serene setting. A strong choice for art and culture lovers.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA will cost around CHF 34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF 33.
On Thu, Nov 05, we found 5 trains from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, CA, including 5 direct services.
On Thu, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 184 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
On Thu, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 24 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.

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Trains from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF 32 but you can travel from only CHF 19 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (184 km) distance in 3h 23m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, CA.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Pasadena, CA trains for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:01 AM San Diego, CA | 3h24 | 2:25 PM Pasadena, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:01 PM San Diego, CA | 3h24 | 11:25 PM Pasadena, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:01 PM San Diego, CA | 3h24 | 2:25 AM Pasadena, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 4 | |||||
![]() | 12:01 AM San Diego, CA | 3h24 | 3:25 AM Pasadena, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, CA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Pasadena, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pasadena, CA trip today.
Major collections span European art, manuscripts, and decorative arts in a serene setting. A strong choice for art and culture lovers.
Free museum with American, Asian, and Pacific art plus changing exhibitions in an intimate gallery setting near Old Pasadena.
Interactive science museum focused on hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and family-friendly learning inside Exposition Park's regional counterpart.
Lively historic district with restored brick buildings, shops, courtyards, and frequent events. Ideal for walking and experiencing central Pasadena.
Broad boulevard famous for the Tournament of Roses Parade route, lined with historic storefronts, theaters, and key downtown Pasadena sights.
Scenic urban trail and green space along the Arroyo Seco. Popular for walking, biking, golf views, and access to major Pasadena landmarks.
A Southern California classic of double-fried corn tortillas simmered in salsa and topped with cheese or eggs. Common in Pasadena brunch spots and longtime local diners.
Slow-cooked beef on a French roll dipped in jus, often linked to Greater Los Angeles. Pasadena delis and old-school sandwich shops keep this regional favorite alive.
A burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. Popular across Southern California as a late-night comfort food and common on local Mexican menus.
Historic fine-dining restaurant known for dry-aged steaks, classic cocktails, and old-school clubby interiors.
Long-running deli and bakery loved for piled-high sandwiches, Jewish deli classics, and a bustling casual atmosphere.
Lively upscale Mexican restaurant serving regional dishes, strong margaritas, and a polished yet energetic dining room.
Pasadena is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels and dining, though transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if there is table service.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Pasadena, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, 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 Pasadena, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Pasadena, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Pasadena, CA 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.