- Must visit
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
One of the top art museums in the South, with global collections, sculpture gardens, and strong rotating exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Oct 10
$818
Average ticket price on Oct 10
$844
Fastest journey on Oct 10
2 d 22 h 56 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
3 d 9 h 56 m
Trains on Oct 10
2
Distance
3623 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA will cost around $844 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $818.
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 2 trains from San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 the direct trains cover the 3623 km distance in an average of 3 d 9 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 22 h 56 m .
On Sat, Oct 10 the slowest trains will take 3 d 20 h 56 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.




Trains from San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 65h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $755 but you can travel from only $253 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:54, the last at 16:10. The fastest train covers the 2251 miles (3623 km) distance in 64h 51m.
Distance 2251 miles (3623 km) |
Average train duration 65h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $755 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 64h 51m |
First train 6:54 AM |
Last train 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA trains for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:01 PM San Diego, CA | 70h56 | 7:57 PM Richmond, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:01 PM San Diego, CA | 92h56 | 7:57 PM Richmond, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Richmond, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Richmond, VA trip today.
One of the top art museums in the South, with global collections, sculpture gardens, and strong rotating exhibitions.
Science museum in a grand former train station, offering live demos, labs, and a dome theater for all ages.
Campus museum noted for eclectic art, Egyptian antiquities, and thoughtful exhibitions in a landmark VCU setting.
Beloved riverside estate and park with gardens, trails, wildlife exhibits, and broad appeal for first-time visitors.
Nationally known urban park system for trails, rapids, forested escapes, and active adventure in the heart of the city.
Scenic park with river rapids access, suspension footbridge views, and one of Richmond's best outdoor walking loops.
Virginia country ham is salt-cured and aged for a deep, savory flavor. It is a classic Southern staple long associated with Virginia smokehouses and holiday tables.
Pimento cheese is a creamy spread of cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise. It is a beloved Southern snack in Richmond, often served with crackers or sandwiches.
Shrimp and grits pairs sautéed shrimp with creamy ground corn grits. It is a regional Southern favorite commonly found on Richmond brunch and dinner menus.
Popular Southern diner serving biscuits, pimento cheese, and hearty breakfasts. Lively, casual spot with a strong local following.
Historic casual restaurant known for Southern comfort food, Brunswick stew, and pies. Cozy, old-school atmosphere in the Church Hill area.
Refined New American restaurant featuring seasonal Virginia ingredients and polished service. Elegant yet approachable setting in Jackson Ward.
Moderate for U.S. city travel: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than NYC or DC, while transit is limited, so rideshares or parking can add costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to Richmond, VA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Staples Mill Road Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Richmond, VA 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.
Staples Mill Road Station is 7 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Staples Mill Road Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Staples Mill Road Station.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Staples Mill Road Station: Ramps, restrooms.
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