- Must visit
Turtle Bay Exploration Park
A major cultural and science center with natural history exhibits, gardens, and family-friendly interactive displays along the Sacramento River.
Cheapest price
$185
Average price
$458
Fastest journey
20 h 55 m
Average duration
20 h 55 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
992 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Redding, 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 Redding, CA will cost around $458 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $185.
Of the 2 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Redding, CA on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 992 km distance in an average of 20 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 h 55 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 20 h 55 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Redding, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $124. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $124, and a flight costs an average of $217.
Distance: 616 miles (992 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$403 Average price | $135 Average price Cheapest | $675 Average price | $143 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 40m Average total duration 20h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 59m Average total duration 17h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 25m Average total duration Fastest 6h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Redding, CA:
A bus is $268 (€219) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Redding, CA costing on average $403 (€330).
A bus is $540 (€442) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Redding, CA costing on average $675 (€553).
Other travel options to Redding, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 29m.
Train takes on average 20h 10m.
Tickets start at around $403 (€330) compared to roughly $143 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-260.17 (€-212.94). The journey takes 20h 10m versus 10h 16m 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.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Redding, CA trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:01 PM San Diego, CA | 23h04 | 11:05 AM Redding, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:10 PM San Diego, CA | 20h55 | 10:05 AM Redding, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:10 PM San Diego, CA | 20h55 | 11:05 AM Redding, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from San Diego, CA to Redding, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 20h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $154 (€126) but you can travel from only $124 (€102) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:31, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 616 miles (992 km) distance in 20h 25m.
Distance 616 miles (992 km) |
Average train duration 20h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $154 (€126) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 20h 25m |
First train 2:31 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Redding — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Redding trip today.
A major cultural and science center with natural history exhibits, gardens, and family-friendly interactive displays along the Sacramento River.
A small local history museum in the preserved Gold Rush town of Shasta, highlighting regional pioneer and mining-era heritage.
A restored 1935 Art Deco theater valued as a cultural landmark, visited for architecture and performing arts events rather than museum displays.
A scenic multi-use trail system along the river, popular for walking and cycling and one of the best ways to experience Redding outdoors.
The landscaped public space around the bridge is one of Redding's most photographed spots and a common social media favorite.
Pleasant walking paths around Turtle Bay and the riverfront, especially popular for casual strolls, photography, and family outings.
Santa Maria-style beef tri-tip is popular across Northern California and commonly found in and around Redding, usually seasoned simply and grilled over oak or charcoal.
Fresh fish tacos reflect California's casual regional food culture, often served with cabbage, salsa, and lime at local Mexican and grill spots.
A hearty burger served on toasted sourdough is a familiar Northern California comfort food, blending roadside diner tradition with West Coast ingredients.
Upscale downtown restaurant known for contemporary American cuisine, polished service, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Long-running local favorite for hearty breakfasts and American comfort food, especially busy for morning and brunch service.
Established brewery and restaurant serving craft beer, burgers, pizzas, and pub fare in a lively casual setting.
Prices are generally moderate by U.S. standards. Chain dining and coffee are affordable, while hotels and upscale dining can cost more in peak travel periods.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff or delivery drivers as customary.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Redding, 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 Redding, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Redding, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Redding Train station/Amtrak station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Redding, 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.
Redding Train station/Amtrak has practical services for this route, including Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Redding Train station/Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Redding Train station/Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Redding Train station/Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need