San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA train

Thu, Jul 09
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
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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

The cheapest way to travel from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA is a bus with an average price of $77 (€64).

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).

The fastest way to travel from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 24m.

Other travel options to South San Francisco, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 13h 39m.

Train takes on average 14h 3m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and South San Francisco, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Thu
Jul 09
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Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)
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
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $77 (€64), while the average price is around $88 (€73).
The train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA takes 13h 59m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA is 451 miles (727 km).
The first train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA leaves at 4:01 AM.
The last train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA leaves at 10:35 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $67 (€55).
The train journey from San Diego to South San Francisco offers scenic views, particularly along the Pacific coastline and through rolling hills, providing passengers with picturesque landscapes and glimpses of California's natural beauty.
A day trip from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 13h 59m and covers 451 miles (727 km). There are 19 trains per day.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in South San Francisco, CA, is generally sufficient to explore the area, including nearby attractions like Oyster Point Marina and the scenic views of the San Bruno Mountains.
No, you cannot take the train from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA.
Since neither San Diego, CA nor South San Francisco, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In South San Francisco, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas. Common scams include overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers or ride-share services, so it's advisable to use reputable transportation options. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

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.

Departure train stations in San Diego
Arrival train stations in South San Francisco

Which San Diego, CA station do trains to South San Francisco, CA leave from?

Trains from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA leave from Santa Fe Depot. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from San Diego, CA city centre at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
Santa Fe Depot1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

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:

Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · $6 · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min

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.

Old Town Station4009 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110, United StatesWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

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:

TrainCoaster · 7m · $7 · every ~2 min
Pacific Surfliner · 7m · $1 · every ~2 min
BusFlixBus 2017 · 15m · $1
83 · 26m · $6
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 9m · every ~18 min
Blue · 14m · every ~9 min

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.

More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to South San Francisco, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USASan Diego, CA to South San Francisco, CA train

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