San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport train

Mon, Jun 22
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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, flight, and train for San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $48.

Distance: 446 miles (719 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$85

Average price

$170

Average price

$73

Average price

Cheapest

$101

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

15h 10m

Average total duration

14h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 40m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

14h 59m

Average total duration

14h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 2m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport is a bus with an average price of $73 (€60).

This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport:

A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport costing on average $85 (€69).

A bus is $97 (€79) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport costing on average $170 (€140).

The fastest way to travel from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 40m.

Other travel options to San Diego International Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 14h 29m.

Train takes on average 14h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Francisco International Airport and San Diego International Airport including taking a bus, flight, and train.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport among Omio's users.
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 $85 (€69) compared to roughly $101 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16 (€13). The journey takes 14h 40m versus 8h 2m 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 Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport by bus, flight, or train

Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport run on average 10 times per day, taking around 14h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $83 (€68) but you can travel from only $48 (€40) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 17:10, the last at 17:10. The fastest train covers the 446 miles (719 km) distance in 14h 40m.

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 $48 (€40)
Distance
446 miles (719 km)
Average train duration
14h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
$83 (€68)
Trains per day
10
Fastest train
14h 40m
First train
5:10 PM
Last train
5:10 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
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 $48 (€40)

FAQs: Trains from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport 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 International Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $83 (€68), while the average price is around $85 (€69).
The train from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport takes 14h 40m and runs 10 per day.
The first train from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport leaves at 5:10 PM.
The distance by train from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport is 446 miles (719 km).
The last train from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport leaves at 5:10 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport is by flight, with a cost of around $48 (€40).
There is no direct train service from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport. However, if you take an indirect train route through Amtrak's Coast Starlight or Pacific Surfliner, you can experience scenic views of California's coastline, including ocean views, rolling hills, and picturesque towns.
A day trip from San Francisco International Airport, CA to San Diego International Airport, CA is not feasible due to the journey duration of 14h 40m. However, there are 14 trips per day available for this route.
No, you cannot take the train from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport.
Since neither San Francisco International Airport nor San Diego International Airport 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.
Popular day trips by train from San Diego International Airport include Oceanside, CA, Irvine, CA, Mission Viejo, CA, Carlsbad, CA, Huntington Beach, CA.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport among Omio's users.
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.
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 Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport

Most San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport trains use the Emeryville Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Solana Beach Station. Use this guide to compare San Francisco International Airport and San Diego International Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in San Francisco
Arrival train stations in San Diego
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)

More options for your journey from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport

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

Most popular trains to and from San Diego International Airport and San Francisco International Airport

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego International AirportSan Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport train

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