The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
2 h 6 m
Average duration
2 h 6 m
Trains per day
1
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 $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Nov 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 27 the direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 6 m .
On Thu, Nov 27 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.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a train costs an average of €26.
Distance: 82 miles (132 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€27 Average price | €22 Average price Cheapest |
2h 24m Average total duration 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday, November 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
562 Pacific Surfliner | 3:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 5:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
562 Pacific Surfliner | 3:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h49 | 4:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 6:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
564 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h49 | 5:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h52 | 6:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
566 Pacific Surfliner | 5:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h52 | 8:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
572 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h52 | 9:53 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h49 | 10:50 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 9:01 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 11:04 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 27 | |||||
580 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 2:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
580 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h49 | 1:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
582 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 2h03 | 3:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
582 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 1h49 | 2:50 AM Old Town Station, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Why should you book Santa Ana to San Diego trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Santa Ana to San Diego. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Ana to San Diego.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Santa Ana to San Diego.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $19 (€15) by bus.
There are 16 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 2h 6m.
Distance 82 miles (132 km) |
Average train duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 03:50 |
Last train 23:01 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Ana, CA and San Diego, CA from $19 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
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.
Train Connection: Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
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.
Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
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.
Train Tickets Price for Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
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.
Exploring San Diego's Cultural Treasures
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.
FAQs: Trains from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available with several spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant
- Chapter One: the modern local
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $0.50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana
- Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink services
- Bus: OCTA routes 53, 83, 206
- Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink Orange County Line
- 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 Santa Ana, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Ana, CA to San Diego, CA
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