- 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 09
€28
Average ticket price on Oct 09
€28
Fastest journey on Oct 09
2 h 3 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
2 h 5 m
Trains on Oct 09
11
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around €28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €28.
On Fri, Oct 09, we found 11 trains from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA, including 11 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 09 the direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 3 m .
On Fri, Oct 09 the slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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.
580 Pacific Surfliner
572 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
588 Pacific Surfliner
566 Pacific Surfliner
562 Pacific Surfliner
580 Pacific Surfliner
572 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
588 Pacific SurflinerTrains from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 24 times per day, taking around 1h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 but you can travel from only €11 by bus.
There are 24 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 82 miles (132 km) distance in 1h 47m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average train duration 1h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 24 |
Fastest train 1h 47m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
562 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h48 | 8:49 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 9:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 10:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 10:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 11:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 1:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 5:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 7:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
584 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h51 | 9:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
588 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h50 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h49 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
The train connection between Santa Ana, CA and San Diego, CA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful Southern California coastline. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey to enjoy all that San Diego has to offer.
Traveling from Santa Ana to San Diego takes approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes. There are 8 direct connections available each day. Passengers will depart from Santa Ana Station and can arrive at either Old Town Station or Santa Fe Depot in San Diego.
The first daily train journey departs from Santa Ana at 5:01 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the vibrant city of San Diego. The last departure is scheduled for 9:01 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore and enjoy all that San Diego has to offer before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Santa Ana and San Diego is $25 (22.5€). The average ticket price tends to be around $29 (26.1€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant Californian cities.
Welcome to Balboa Park, a stunning cultural oasis that dates back to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. This sprawling park is not only home to beautiful gardens and historic architecture but also houses world-class museums, making it a vital center for arts and culture in San Diego. One of its unique features is the iconic California Tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and serves as a symbol of San Diego's rich heritage.
Next on our journey is the USS Midway Museum, an aircraft carrier turned museum that played a pivotal role in U.S. naval history from World War II through Operation Desert Storm. As you explore this floating city at sea, you'll discover fascinating exhibits showcasing life aboard one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers while gaining insight into military aviation advancements over decades. Don't miss stepping onto the flight deck where you can see vintage planes up close—it's truly an unforgettable experience!
Finally, we arrive at Cabrillo National Monument, commemorating Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's landing on the West Coast in 1542—the first European explorer to do so! This site not only celebrates maritime exploration but also boasts stunning coastal views and diverse ecosystems within its protected areas. A highlight here is visiting Old Point Loma Lighthouse; standing atop cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean provides both historical context and awe-inspiring scenery that captures nature’s beauty perfectly.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Santa Ana Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Ana Station is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant, Chapter One: the modern local
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Ana Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana, Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport.
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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