San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, May 23
+ Add return
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo

1,000+ travel companies

QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for May 23

Cheapest price

$115

Average price

$272

Fastest journey

11 h 14 m

Average duration

11 h 59 m

Trains per day

10

Distance

738 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $272 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $115.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.

Amtrak718 San Joaquins · 5818 AMTRAK
05:46PM11h14
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
05:00AMSolana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA
$1151One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak718 San Joaquins · 5818 AMTRAK
05:46PM11h39
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
05:25AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$1171One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak712 San Joaquins · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner · 3090 AMTRAK
09:46AM12h57
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
10:43PMSolana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA
$1391One-way
4 transfers
Amtrak710 San Joaquins · 5810 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner · 3984 AMTRAK
07:46AM11h57
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
07:43PMSolana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA
$1391One-way
4 transfers
Amtrak712 San Joaquins · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner · 3090 AMTRAK
09:46AM13h28
Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
11:14PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA
$1461One-way
4 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg.

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€79

Average price

€48

Average price

€32

Average price

Cheapest

14h 59m

Average duration

14h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

17h 50m

Average duration

17h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 35m

Average duration

Fastest

1h 35m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.7 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

2.2 - 4.4kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA train times

Showing trains for today, Thursday, May 22
Last updated at 10:28 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak710 San Joaquins · 5810 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner · 3984 AMTRAK2:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
11h57
2:43 AM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA4 transfers
amtrak710 San Joaquins · 5810 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner · 3984 AMTRAK2:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
12h26
3:12 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA4 transfers
amtrak710 San Joaquins · 5810 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner · 3984 AMTRAK2:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
12h39
3:25 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA4 transfers
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK3:39 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
20h46
12:25 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK3:39 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
20h21
12:00 PM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight

Fri
May 23
Sat
May 24
Sun
May 25
Mon
May 26
Tue
May 27
Wed
May 28
Thu
May 29

How far in advance should I book train tickets from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA?

The best time to book your train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train
Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 14h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $96 (€79) but you can travel from only $33 (€28) by flight.
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
Flight from $33 (€28)
Distance
457 miles (737 km)
Average train duration
14h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
$96 (€79)
Trains per day
7
Train providers
1
Fastest train
14h 29m
First train
17:50
Last train
17:50
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
Flight from $33 (€28)

Train providers: Amtrak from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA trains

You can travel by train to San Diego, CA from San Francisco, CA with Amtrak for as low as $76 (€63). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.

Amtrak is a passenger train service based in the United States. It operates more than 300 trains daily including trains between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Amtrak offers a variety of train types, including the Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the Auto Train. The Acela Express is the fastest train, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph. The Northeast Regional is the most popular, offering frequent service between major cities in the Northeast. The Keystone Service is a regional service connecting Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Auto Train is a unique service that allows passengers to transport their cars along with them. Amtrak offers a variety of ticket types, including Saver, Value, Flexible, and Business Class. Saver tickets are the most affordable, while Business Class tickets offer the most amenities, such as complimentary meals and access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. Onboard facilities vary by train type, but all Amtrak trains offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The most popular routes for Amtrak include the Northeast Corridor, which runs between Washington, D. C. And Boston, and the Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, California. Other popular routes include the Capitol Corridor, which runs between San Jose and Sacramento, California, and the Empire Builder, which runs between Chicago and Seattle.

Train information from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA with Amtrak:

  • Average Duration: 12 h 45 min
  • Cheapest Price: $76

Convenient San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA Train Travel Options

Discover the ease and comfort of traveling by train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA. Departing from San Francisco's Fourth and King Street Station (Fourth and King Street Station) and arriving at San Diego's Santa Fe Depot (Santa Fe Depot), this scenic route offers a stress-free and environmentally friendly way to travel. With trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA providing a smooth ride along California’s stunning coastline, you can relax and enjoy the stunning views, skip the traffic hassles, and make the most of your journey. Book your ticket today to experience one of the most popular routes for coastal train travel.

Find Cheap Train Tickets from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Looking to explore the beautiful West Coast by train? Train tickets for the scenic route from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA start at just $96 (€79), offering a budget-friendly way to travel. On average, you can expect to pay around $96 (€79) for this journey, making it an affordable option compared to other methods of transportation. For convenience and the best prices, consider traveling in late January or February, when demand tends to be lower, giving you a more comfortable and economical experience. Plan ahead to secure your seat at the cheapest possible price!

Train San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA: Amtrak's Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner Services

Traveling by train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is a scenic experience made convenient with Amtrak's renowned Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner services. The Coast Starlight offers a premium journey with roomy seating, stunning panoramic windows, and optional sleeper accommodations, making it ideal for long-distance travelers. Meanwhile, the Pacific Surfliner ensures a comfortable ride with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, spacious seating, and power outlets, perfect for those looking to enjoy California's coastal beauty along the way. These Amtrak services provide an enjoyable and relaxing travel option, delivering efficiency and comfort throughout the route.

San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA Train Times and Schedule

Planning your journey from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA by train? The route covers a distance of approximately 457 miles (737 km) and offers a scenic and comfortable travel experience. On average, the train journey takes about 14h 29m, making it an excellent option for travelers looking to take in the beautiful California coast.

When it comes to frequency, there are typically 7 trains operating daily between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA. These trains usually run every day of the week, including weekends, ensuring flexibility and convenience for your travel plans.

The first train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA generally departs at 17:50, while the last train of the day typically leaves at 17:50. This wide time range allows you to select a departure time that suits your schedule while making the most out of your day.

Make sure to check the latest details on San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA train times and San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA train schedules before planning your trip, as timings and availability may change. Safe travels!

FAQs: Trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

FAQs: Travel by train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
FAQs

Most popular trains, buses, flights and ferries to and from San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego, CASan Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone
More routes, destinations and providers
Currency
Language

Useful links