Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight 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 $67. 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 $67, and a flight costs an average of $115.
Distance: 451 miles (727 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$88 Average price | $191 Average price | $77 Average price Cheapest | $100 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 $88 (€73).
A bus is $113 (€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 $191 (€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 $88 (€73) compared to roughly $100 (€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.
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.
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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 $77 (€64) but you can travel from only $67 (€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 $77 (€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
Most San Diego, CA to South 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 South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, 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.
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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