- 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 on Oct 08
$102
Average ticket price on Oct 08
$122
Fastest journey on Oct 08
13 h 39 m
Average journey duration on Oct 08
15 h 5 m
Trains on Oct 08
5
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 $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.
On Thu, Oct 08, we found 5 trains from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA, including 5 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 08 the direct trains cover the 671 km distance in an average of 15 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 39 m .
On Thu, Oct 08 the slowest trains will take 19 h 9 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.










Trains from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 13h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $103 but you can travel from only $42 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 25m.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average train duration 13h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 13h 25m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, October 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3910 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 6:25 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 14h27 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
3910 Connecting Bus · 710 Gold Runner · 5810 Connecting Bus · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 6:25 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 14h42 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:26 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 14h38 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 Connecting Bus | 10:26 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 19h09 | 5:35 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:26 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 14h24 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:25 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h39 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4794 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:25 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h25 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 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.

Most San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the San José Diridon Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
San José Diridon Station is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José Diridon Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Farmers Union, Poor House Bistro, La Victoria Taqueria
ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at San José Diridon Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at San José Diridon Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San José Diridon Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San José Diridon Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José Diridon Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel De Anza, The Westin San Jose, AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need