- Recommended
Museo de las Californias
History museum inside CECUT covering the natural, indigenous, colonial and modern history of the Californias region.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$33
Fastest journey
2 h 3 m
Average duration
2 h 5 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
160 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana 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 Tijuana will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 4 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for Tijuana on Wed, Jun 17, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 160 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 Wed, Jun 17 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.








Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $32, and a bus costs an average of $28.
Distance: 99 miles (160 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $44 Average price | $1 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana:
A train is $12 (€9) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana costing on average $44 (€36).
Other travel options to Tijuana take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 42m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€26) compared to roughly $1 (€0.91) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-31.41 (€-25.45). The journey takes 2h 4m versus 1h 51m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana trains for today, Tuesday, June 16. 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 | 2h03 | 9:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, 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 | 2h06 | 11:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, 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 | 2h06 | 2:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, 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 | 2h06 | 6:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, 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 | |
| Wednesday, June 17 | |||||
![]() | 12:01 AM Santa Ana, CA | 2h06 | 2:07 AM Tijuana | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
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 | 2h06 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, 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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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.
Trains from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 99 miles (160 km) distance in 2h 3m.
Distance 99 miles (160 km) |
Average train duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Tijuana — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tijuana trip today.
History museum inside CECUT covering the natural, indigenous, colonial and modern history of the Californias region.
Contemporary art museum and gallery complex at CECUT with rotating Mexican and international exhibitions.
Interactive themed museum focused on Mexican taco culture, ingredients, and regional traditions in a playful format.
The city’s classic main avenue, lined with shops, nightlife, street art and many of Tijuana’s best-known sights.
Coastal neighborhood popular for ocean views, boardwalk walks and access to the city’s beach atmosphere.
Creative pedestrian alley filled with murals, design shops and independent cultural spaces popular with visitors.
The original Caesar salad was created in Tijuana. It is a tableside salad of romaine, croutons, Parmesan, egg, lemon, and Worcestershire, and remains one of the city’s signature dishes.
Tijuana’s famous spit-roasted marinated pork tacos, usually served on small corn tortillas with salsa, onion, cilantro, and often pineapple. They are among the city’s most iconic street foods.
Slow-cooked beef or goat tacos with rich consommé, popular across Baja and widely loved in Tijuana for their deep flavor and comforting style.
Well-known contemporary Baja fine dining restaurant by chef Javier Plascencia, recognized for creative regional cuisine and an elegant setting.
One of Tijuana’s best-known taco spots, especially respected for adobada and asada tacos. Casual, busy, and a classic local stop.
Historic restaurant in downtown Tijuana, famous as the birthplace of the Caesar salad. Classic dining room with old-school atmosphere and regional specialties.
Generally cheaper than many U.S. border cities. Street food and casual dining are affordable, while upscale dining and tourist zones cost more.
Tip 10-15% in restaurants; 15-20% for excellent service. Round up or tip a little for taxis. Small tips are appreciated for hotel staff, bartenders, and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA to Tijuana 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 Tijuana, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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