The cheapest and fastest trains from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$119
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
13 h 29 m
Average duration
13 h 35 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
671 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
Of the 2 trains that leave San Jose, CA for San Diego, CA on Wed, Nov 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Nov 19 the direct trains cover the 671 km distance in an average of 13 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 29 m .
On Wed, Nov 19 the slowest trains will take 13 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €46, and a flight costs an average of €48.
Distance: 416 miles (671 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€100 Average price | €158 Average price | €84 Average price Cheapest |
13h 39m Average total duration 13h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 18m Average total duration 10h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Tuesday, November 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 6:26 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 18h59 | 1:25 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:26 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 14h38 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:26 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 14h24 | 8:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:35 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h29 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:35 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h15 | 8:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:10 PM San Jose, CA | 13h40 | 2:50 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Jose, CA to San Diego, 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.
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
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Dec 01
Dec 02
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 13h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $98 (€79) but you can travel from only $57 (€46) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 416 miles (671 km) distance in 13h 29m.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average train duration 13h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $98 (€79) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 13h 29m |
First train 03:50 |
Last train 23:45 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA from $57 (€46). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available 7 days a week, with multiple lots surrounding the station.
- The Farmers Union
- Poor House Bistro
- La Victoria Taqueria
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Hotel De Anza
- The Westin San Jose
- AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas, platforms for Caltrain, Amtrak, and ACE services, and connections to VTA buses and light rail.
- Bus: VTA Bus Lines 22, 64A, 64B, 68, 168, 181
- Light Rail: VTA Green Line
- Caltrain
- Amtrak
- ACE
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
Most popular train connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA
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