The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Cheapest price
$547
Average price
$694
Fastest journey
2 d 23 h 26 m
Average duration
3 d 16 h 59 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
3810 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA will cost around $694 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $547.
Of the 3 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Philadelphia, PA on Thu, Feb 26, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Feb 26 the direct trains cover the 3810 km distance in an average of 3 d 16 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 23 h 26 m .
On Thu, Feb 26 the slowest trains will take 4 d 1 h 50 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.






Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $197. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $197, and a train costs an average of $317.
Distance: 2367 miles (3810 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$1060 Average price | $311 Average price | $290 Average price Cheapest |
65h 19m Average total duration 64h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 9m Average total duration Fastest 6h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 65h 58m Average total duration 65h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Tuesday, February 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 50 Cardinal | 10:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 75h50 | 1:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | ||
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian | 10:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 69h58 | 7:59 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 3 transfers | ||
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 156 Northeast Regional | 10:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 71h31 | 9:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 3 transfers | ||
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 168 Northeast Regional | 10:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 72h14 | 10:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 3 transfers | ||
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 156 Northeast Regional | 10:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 71h22 | 9:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 3 transfers | ||
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian | 10:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 69h49 | 7:59 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 3 transfers | ||
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian · 168 Northeast Regional | 10:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 72h05 | 10:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 3 transfers | ||
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 50 Cardinal | 10:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 75h41 | 1:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | ||
| Wednesday, February 25 | ||||||
![]() | 12:01 AM San Diego, CA | 97h50 | 1:51 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
![]() | 12:10 AM San Diego, CA | 97h41 | 1:51 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA 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.
Feb 25
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 64h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $317 (€253) but you can travel from only $117 (€93) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:15, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 2367 miles (3810 km) distance in 69h 58m.
Distance 2367 miles (3810 km) |
Average train duration 64h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $317 (€253) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 69h 58m |
First train 08:15 |
Last train 16:40 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Philadelphia, PA from $117 (€93). 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 Philadelphia, PA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA
- 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
- 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
- Bridgewater's Pub
- The Porch at 30th Street Station
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
- Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
- The Study at University City
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
- Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
- Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
- SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
- Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
- Bus: Several lines available
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


