- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
12 h 50 m
Average duration
13 h 42 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
738 km
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 $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
6642 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner
6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
6642 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner
6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific SurflinerTrains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 12h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $77 (€62) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 11h 37m.
Distance 458 miles (738 km) |
Average train duration 12h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€62) |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 11h 37m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 13h37 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
6612 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:40 AM San Francisco, CA | 13h27 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:10 AM San Francisco, CA | 14h54 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
6668 AMTRAK · 718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK | 5:00 PM San Francisco, CA | 12h35 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Solana Beach Station. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
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 Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
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