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

Fri, Nov 28
+ Add return
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 28

Cheapest price

$85

Average price

$119

Fastest journey

13 h 4 m

Average duration

13 h 54 m

Trains per day

2

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 $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.

Fast trains

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

Amtrak4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner
10:20AM14h44
San Francisco, CA
01:04AMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$851One-way
1 transfer
Amtrak6610 AMTRAK · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 784 Pacific Surfliner
07:00AM13h04
San Francisco, CA
08:04PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
$1531One-way
3 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 train with prices starting from €64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €64, and a flight costs an average of €68.

Distance: 458 miles (738 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€71

Average price

Cheapest

€98

Average price

€150

Average price

13h 18m

Average total duration

12h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

13h 15m

Average total duration

12h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 2m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.7 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

2.2 - 4.4kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Alaska Airlines

Most popular airline

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

The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:23 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner6:20 PM San Francisco, CA
14h44
9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

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

Compare train, bus, 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.

Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04

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 15 times per day, taking around 12h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€64) but you can travel from only $68 (€55) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:35. The fastest train covers the 458 miles (738 km) distance in 14h 19m.

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 $68 (€55)
Distance
458 miles (738 km)
Average train duration
12h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
$79 (€64)
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
14h 19m
First train
03:50
Last train
22:35
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 $68 (€55)

Train companies: Amtrak, Caltrain from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak, Caltrain trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and San Diego, CA from $68 (€55). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
14h 19m
Cheapest Price
$79 (€64)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Caltrain

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
16h 9m
Cheapest Price
$248 (€201)
Caltrain frequency
1 a day

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

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $79 (€64), while the average price is around $88 (€71).
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $68 (€55).
The first train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA takes 14h 19m and runs 15 per day.
The last train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 10:35 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.
A day trip from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 14h 19m and covers 458 miles (738 km). There are 15 trains per day.
Yes, the train journey from San Francisco to San Diego is considered scenic as it travels along the Pacific coastline, offering views of the ocean, beaches, and picturesque landscapes.
The distance by train from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA is 458 miles (738 km).
The train station in San Francisco, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
There is no high speed train available from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Francisco, CA to San Diego, CA

San Francisco
San Diego
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to San Diego.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

Most popular trains to and from San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA

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