The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
7 h 15 m
Average duration
7 h 23 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
392 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, CA will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA without transferring at least once.
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK4:10 PM7h25Old Town Station, San Diego, CA11:35 PMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK4:10 AM7h15Old Town Station, San Diego, CA11:25 AMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK4:01 PM7h34Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA11:35 PMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK8:10 AM7h20Old Town Station, San Diego, CA3:30 PMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK8:01 AM7h29Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA3:30 PMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK4:10 AM7h15Old Town Station, San Diego, CA11:25 AMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK8:10 AM7h20Old Town Station, San Diego, CA3:30 PMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK4:01 AM7h24Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA11:25 AMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK4:10 PM7h25Old Town Station, San Diego, CA11:35 PMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK8:01 AM7h29Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA3:30 PMSanta Maria, CA$871One-way1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $84 (€68) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 16:56. The fastest train covers the 243 miles (392 km) distance in 7h 24m.
Distance 243 miles (392 km) |
Average train duration 7h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $84 (€68) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 7h 24m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 4:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA from $84 (€68). 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 Santa Maria, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
Most San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Santa Maria, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which San Diego, CA station do trains to Santa Maria, CA leave from?
Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Getting to Old Town Station from San Diego city centre
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Which Santa Maria, CA station do trains from San Diego, CA arrive at?
Getting to Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) from Santa Maria city centre
Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) is 1 km from Santa Maria city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) train station facilities and services
Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: IHOP Restaurant on-site.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant). ATMs are available at Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant): Wheelchair accessible paths available.
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Maria, CA
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