- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$85
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$144
Fastest journey on Aug 30
13 h 59 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
14 h 59 m
Trains on Aug 30
3
Distance
738 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA will cost around $144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least once.
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 6619 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 6619 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $143 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $143, while a flight costs an average of $563.
Distance: 458 miles (738 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$150 Average price | $143 Average price Cheapest | $563 Average price | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 59m Average total duration 14h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 58m Average total duration 12h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 4h 20m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 2.2 - 4.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $150.
A bus is $420 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $563.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 28m.
Train takes on average 14h 29m.
Tickets start at around $150 compared to roughly $119 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-30.61. The journey takes 14h 29m versus 7h 49m 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 San Francisco, CA trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
769 Pacific Surfliner · 5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 6619 AMTRAK | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 14h29 | 10:30 PM San Francisco, CA | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, August 30 | |||||
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h59 | 8:00 PM San Francisco, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK | 6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 16h29 | 10:30 PM San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
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 San Francisco, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 14h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $108 but you can travel from only $41 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 13h 57m.
Distance 458 miles (738 km) |
Average train duration 14h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $108 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 13h 57m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and San Francisco, 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.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants are accessible in the vicinity.
WiFi available at surrounding public areas. ATMs are aTMs available in nearby buildings.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank).
Available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Station is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need