The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$84
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
13 h 59 m
Average duration
13 h 59 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
727 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to South 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 South San Francisco, CA will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Diego, CA for South San Francisco, CA on Fri, May 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 22 the direct trains cover the 727 km distance in an average of 13 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 59 m .
On Fri, May 22 the slowest trains will take 13 h 59 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.
1:01 PM13h59San Diego, CA3:00 AMSouth San Francisco, CA$841One-way0 transfers
1:01 PM13h59San Diego, CA3:00 AMSouth San Francisco, CA$841One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 451 miles (727 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$90 Average price | $194 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $102 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 33m Average total duration 14h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 24m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 9m Average total duration 13h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 3m 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 South San Francisco, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $90 (€73).
A bus is $115 (€93) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $194 (€157).
Other travel options to South San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 39m.
Train takes on average 14h 3m.
Tickets start at around $90 (€73) compared to roughly $102 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12 (€10). The journey takes 14h 3m versus 8h 3m 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.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA trains for tomorrow, Friday, May 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:01 PM San Diego, CA | 13h59 | 3:00 AM South San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA 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.
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 14h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€64) but you can travel from only $68 (€55) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 451 miles (727 km) distance in 13h 59m.
Distance 451 miles (727 km) |
Average train duration 14h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€64) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 13h 59m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to South 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 South San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA
- 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
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA
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